Why does the engine sound louder when the air conditioning is turned on?
1 Answers
It is normal for the engine to sound louder when the air conditioning is turned on, as the engine needs to drive the compressor, which increases the idle speed and consequently the engine noise. If the engine sound becomes noticeably louder, it could be due to issues such as a dirty or stuck throttle valve, abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump, or improper tension of the compressor drive belt. Below are detailed explanations: 1. Dirty or stuck throttle valve: When the air conditioning is turned on, the compressor also starts working, increasing the engine load. This requires the throttle valve to open wider to allow more air intake. If the throttle valve is clogged with carbon deposits or stuck, it can cause engine vibration and abnormal noise, which becomes more pronounced when the air conditioning is on. 2. Abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump: This is mainly caused by two issues—the electromagnetic clutch or the bearings inside the air conditioning pump. Noise from the electromagnetic clutch is usually due to wear, which increases the gap, while noise from the bearings is often due to insufficient lubrication. If these issues are not addressed promptly, they can lead to the air conditioning pump burning out and failing to provide cooling. 3. Improper tension of the compressor drive belt: If the drive belt is too loose, the electromagnetic clutch may slip; if it is too tight, the load on the electromagnetic clutch increases. Improper tension can cause abnormal noise or even damage the air conditioning compressor.
