Why does the car make a sound intermittently when the air conditioning is on?
2 Answers
This is due to abnormal noise from clutch vibration or air conditioning belt slippage. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Clutch vibration: When the air conditioning is on, the engine load is relatively large, and engine vibration is transmitted to the clutch, causing noise. This requires replacing the clutch three-piece set to resolve. 2. Belt slippage: If the belt comes into contact with oil, it will oxidize and slip, causing noise when it slips. Before installing the belt, the belt pulley should be cleaned. You can use a cloth or gloves to wipe the entire belt pulley, but avoid touching the new belt with your hands. If the car has an oil leakage issue, it must be resolved first.
My car occasionally makes a noise when the air conditioning is on, like a clicking sound every few minutes. This is actually quite common, especially after the car has been driven for a few years. The main reason is that the clutch of the air conditioning compressor engages and disengages periodically during normal operation to maintain cooling efficiency and prevent the compressor from overheating, similar to how a household air conditioner starts up. If the sound is soft and regular, it's usually not a problem; but if the noise becomes louder, harsh, or is accompanied by other symptoms like weakened airflow from the vents or unusual odors, it might indicate insufficient refrigerant or a leak, causing the compressor to work more frequently. I recommend staying focused on driving safely and not letting these noises distract you. You can first check if the air conditioning is working properly—for example, by turning up the fan speed to see if the noise persists. If the issue continues, it's best to visit a repair shop for a free diagnosis as soon as possible. After all, in summer when we rely heavily on air conditioning while driving, it's important not to overlook these small warning signs.