Why Does the Accelerator Make Strange Noises When the Air Conditioner is On?

[DiCaden]

The detailed reasons for strange noises when stepping on the accelerator with the air conditioner on are as follows: 1. Due to compressor damage: The electromagnetic clutch of the air conditioner compressor slips, or the internal bearings of the compressor wear out due to long-term use. 2. Due to collisions during daily use of the vehicle: Or when replacing components such as the electric fan, radiator, or condenser, improper installation due to mismatched part sizes, differences in rubber sleeve sizes, or inadequate alignment of the radiator and condenser frame can cause body resonance when the electric fan operates with the air conditioner on, resulting in strange noises when accelerating. 3. Due to air conditioning system pressure issues: If the radiator or condenser surface is too dirty, leading to poor heat dissipation, the pressure in the pipes rises when the air conditioner is turned on, causing the electric fan to operate at high speed and produce strange noises. Alternatively, if the system is overcharged with refrigerant, stepping on the accelerator with the air conditioner on can increase system pressure, leading to high-speed operation of the electric fan and strange noises.

[Keith]

Hearing strange noises when pressing the accelerator after turning on the AC? I've encountered this issue many times during car repairs. Simply put, when the AC is on, the compressor increases the engine load. When you press the accelerator to speed up, the RPM rises, making it more prone to noise. The most common cause is a loose or worn-out belt slipping, especially the fan belt, which produces obvious squeaking sounds when worn. Another possibility is a faulty tensioner pulley; when it can't rotate properly, it makes a clicking noise. The compressor itself might also have issues, such as worn bearings or internal jamming, particularly in older cars. Don't underestimate this noise—if the belt snaps, it could lead to bigger problems beyond just the AC failing, potentially affecting the powertrain. I recommend taking your car to a repair shop immediately to have a mechanic check it. Belts are easy and inexpensive to replace, and regularly inspecting the tensioner pulley during maintenance can help prevent such issues.

[ColeMarie]

I've been driving for many years and have encountered similar situations where there's an abnormal noise when stepping on the accelerator with the AC on. Most likely, the belt is either too tight or too loose. The compressor is connected to the engine, and when you step on the accelerator, the load changes significantly, causing the belt to slip and make noise. It could also be due to an aging AC compressor, which doesn't run smoothly and produces noise. Back in the day, my car had the same issue. I thought it was a minor problem and delayed fixing it, but it turned into a big one when the belt snapped and left me stranded on the road. I learned my lesson and now make sure to have these parts checked during every maintenance, especially during summer when the AC is used more frequently. If you hear a clicking or squeaking sound, don't hesitate—pull over to check or drive straight to a professional repair shop. Usually, replacing the belt or adjusting the tensioner will solve the problem, saving you time and hassle.

[LaIan]

There's an abnormal noise when stepping on the accelerator with the AC on, which I think is quite normal, caused by increased engine load. When the compressor kicks in, it requires more power. When you step on the accelerator to speed up, the RPM increases, and a loose belt slipping or a faulty tensioner often produces a squeaking sound. Worn compressor bearings could also cause this, or the fan rotation might generate noise. I suggest observing the location of the abnormal noise to help diagnose the issue. Belt problems are easy to fix—just replace the part. Pay attention to this during daily driving, and regular maintenance can prevent it. Don't take safety lightly.