What Causes the Buzzing Sound When Turning on the Air Conditioning in a Camry?
2 Answers
Possible reasons for the buzzing sound when turning on the air conditioning in a Camry include: 1. Compressor belt noise: This could be caused by a faulty tensioner pulley or a malfunctioning compressor. 2. Blower motor noise: This typically occurs when using the external air circulation mode, often due to loose air conditioning components. 3. Dashboard panel noise: This sound usually originates from the control panel and may be caused by faulty temperature control switches or air recirculation motors. 4. Refrigerant flow noise: This can happen if the system is overcharged with refrigerant, preventing complete evaporation. Some normal operational noise may also occur during AC startup. 5. Foreign objects in the system: Items like cable ties caught in the fan blades or evaporator can cause unusual noises during operation.
My Camry makes a constant hissing noise when the AC is on, which is really annoying. The sound mostly comes from near the compressor. If the compressor belt is loose or worn out, it can create friction noise when rotating—I replaced mine once and the problem was solved. The compressor itself could also be faulty, with the clutch making a clicking sound during startup or internal components wearing out and causing unusual noises. Refrigerant leakage is another common issue, producing a hissing sound as liquid refrigerant flows through gaps, but this isn’t a minor problem—if too much leaks, the AC won’t cool anymore. The fan motor or dust buildup on the fan blades might also cause squeaking, especially at low speeds. I suggest first checking the belt and fan area yourself for cracks or looseness. If you’re unsure, take it to a professional auto repair shop immediately—safety first, don’t let it turn into a bigger issue.
