Why Does the Car Air Conditioner Make a Gurgling Water Sound?
3 Answers
Possible reasons for the gurgling water sound in a car air conditioner include: 1. Normal vaporization cooling process: The gurgling sound from the indoor unit is caused by the normal refrigerant vaporization cooling process in the pipeline. 2. Indoor unit fan: Caused by operational vibrations, in which case the outlet louvers should be properly secured and the filter cleaned. 3. Semi-fluid flow: The sound of refrigerant in a semi-fluid state flowing through the pipes, which can also be resolved by adjusting the liquid outlet valve. 4. Normal phenomenon: Flowing sounds during air conditioner cooling are normal, especially right after startup. As long as the water-like sound is not too loud, it should become inaudible once the system stabilizes. If this sound persists frequently, it may indicate a vehicle issue. Poor installation, such as a flattened copper pipe, can also cause gurgling or water-like sounds.
I've been driving for over 20 years and encountered many cases of gurgling water sounds from the AC. It's usually not a big deal, mainly caused by drainage system issues. During AC operation, condensation forms on the evaporator. If the drain pipe is clogged or bent, water accumulates inside and can't flow out, creating gurgling sounds when moving. Check the evaporator's drain hole under the hood and clean it with small wire or pipe cleaning tools. Don't ignore this issue as prolonged water accumulation can corrode components or cause odors. Low refrigerant might produce similar sounds, but water issues are more common. Regularly inspecting drainage pipes during maintenance can effectively prevent this. Remember, safety first - always turn off the AC power before working on it.
I've dealt with numerous car air conditioning issues, and the gurgling water sound is most commonly caused by poor drainage. When the evaporator is operating, condensation increases. If the drain pipe is clogged or blocked by debris, the water flow becomes obstructed, producing that gurgling sound. Sometimes, it's due to air bubbles in the system, where refrigerant flow mixed with air creates noise. It's advisable to start with the simplest solution—check if the drain hole is clear and clean it if necessary. If the sound persists, it might be a compressor or fan bearing issue, but water sounds are mostly drainage-related. Address it promptly to avoid interior dampness or mold. DIY can save a lot of money, but for complex problems, relying on professionals is more reliable.
