What Causes the Abnormal Noise When the Car Air Conditioner is On?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise from a car's air conditioner is generally caused by issues either inside or outside the air conditioning system. Internal noise is usually due to air or moisture in the refrigerant, which creates noise during evaporation and expansion, making the driver feel as if the sound is coming from inside the dashboard. External noise is typically from the air conditioning compressor, and the sound can be felt near the compressor. Below are other possible causes of abnormal noise in a car's air conditioner: 1. Impurities in the refrigerant: The noise is often caused by air and moisture mixed into the refrigerant. 2. Damage to the internal structure of the compressor: If the noise persists after refrigerant recharge and is located near the compressor, there is a high probability of internal mechanical damage to the compressor. If the noise recurs after some time and is located inside the dashboard, it is more likely due to reduced efficiency of the dryer. The noise after the air conditioner starts is mainly the working noise of the compressor and is not considered a fault.
When I hear unusual noises while running the air conditioning, I immediately inspect it. Usually, it's caused by branches or dust stuck in the fan blades, creating a whooshing sound from friction during high-speed rotation. Another common issue is a loose or aged compressor belt, which produces a squealing noise. A malfunctioning clutch inside the compressor can also cause a clicking sound, and insufficient refrigerant may lead to a hissing noise. Every time, I first stop the engine, open the hood, and check the fan blades, removing any debris before examining the belt for wear. If any issues are found, I replace them promptly; otherwise, the noise worsens and can affect the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning, even leading to system overheating and damage to more components. Regularly washing the car, cleaning the engine compartment, and timely replacing the cabin air filter can effectively prevent these problems, maintaining the vehicle in good condition for a more worry-free drive.