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

[RichardDella]

Here are the reasons why a car makes strange noises when the air conditioner is on: 1. The compressor belt tensioner is damaged; 2. The blower motor is excessively worn or damaged; 3. The internal/external circulation motor is faulty; 4. High pressure in the air conditioning system; 5. The compressor clutch is not engaging properly; 6. The air filter has not been replaced for a long time. Below is a related introduction to the car air conditioning system: 1. Functions: (1) It is used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, and air flow inside the car cabin to the optimal state, providing passengers with a comfortable riding environment and reducing travel fatigue; (2) It creates good working conditions for the driver and plays an important role in ensuring safe driving as a ventilation device. 2. Components: Generally includes the refrigeration unit, heating unit, and ventilation unit.

[LucasLee]

When I drive with the air conditioning on, I occasionally hear annoying squeaking or buzzing noises. After some research, I found that this is mostly due to issues with the AC compressor. It tends to make friction noises when starting up, especially in older cars or those that haven't been maintained for a long time, as the compressor may be excessively worn. Additionally, if there's dust or debris stuck in the fan blades, it can cause a buzzing sound when they spin. A loose belt can also produce a squeaking noise when driving the fan. When the refrigerant is low, the flow noise increases, resulting in a hissing sound. Although these sounds may seem minor, ignoring them could overload the compressor, leading to premature failure and expensive repairs. I suggest first checking if the belt is loose and cleaning the fan area. If the noise persists, it's best to visit a repair shop promptly to avoid bigger problems down the line.

[DelPaisley]

Air conditioning noise is quite common in my experience, especially with frequent use in summer. The sound can come from several places: it's normal for the AC compressor to make a clicking or humming noise when starting up, but persistent noise should be noted. A worn or loose belt can cause squeaking by rubbing against engine components; if the fan motor's bearings are aging or the blades hit debris, it may produce a whooshing sound; a refrigerant system leak can also create a hissing noise. I've encountered this issue in my own car—it was a belt problem that improved after tightening. Ignoring it for too long can lead to compressor overheating and damage, increasing repair costs. It's best to regularly check these components to maintain proper operation.

[KimberlyLynn]

When I turn on the AC in my car, there's a ticking sound. My friend said it's normal noise from the compressor working. But once the sound became noticeably louder, and I found a small stone stuck in the fan. After removing it, the noise stopped. Additionally, a loose belt or insufficient refrigerant can also cause noises, like squeaking or hissing sounds. When using the AC daily, don't panic if the sound isn't loud, but if it keeps getting louder, it needs to be checked. I've learned to clean the vent filters myself, which works well for prevention.