Why Does the Car Make Loud Noise When Running the Air Conditioner at Low Speed?
2 Answers
There are several main reasons why a car makes loud noise when running the air conditioner at low speed: 1. The air conditioner filter is too dirty, causing excessive noise. 2. There are foreign objects in the blower fan blades. You can try turning on the blower without starting the engine to see if the noise occurs. If the noise appears, it proves the problem lies with the blower. 3. The car's air conditioner fan blades are deformed or the fan motor is damaged. 4. The clutch bearing inside the air conditioner pump is worn, causing the engine noise to increase when the air conditioner is on. This component cannot be replaced separately; the entire air conditioner pump assembly needs to be replaced. 5. Excessive refrigerant (Freon) content. If the refrigerant level is too high, the compressor's load will increase, leading to higher overall load. Check the air conditioner's sight glass: if liquid flows through the window with a few bubbles when the air conditioner is on, the refrigerant level is normal. If there are no bubbles or very few, it indicates an excessive amount.
I've also experienced loud noise when running the AC at low speeds, which is mainly related to the powertrain. At low speeds, the engine operates at lower RPMs. When the AC compressor kicks in, it suddenly increases the load on the engine, forcing it to work harder to drive the compressor, naturally making more noise. Additionally, the cooling fan starts running at high speed to help the condenser dissipate heat, and the combination of these two sounds becomes even more noticeable. Moreover, if the belt is worn or the tension is insufficient, it may produce a squeaking noise at low speeds. I later found this issue most severe when climbing hills with a full car, as the engine is already under strain, and the AC compressor further diverts some power, making the noise so loud that it's hard to hold a conversation. It's recommended to regularly check the belt and cooling system, and if any unusual noise occurs, it's best to visit a mechanic.