Why is the car very noisy when the air conditioner is turned on?
3 Answers
It could be due to a dirty or stuck throttle valve; abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump; or improper tension of the compressor drive belt. Reasons for abnormal noise from the air conditioner: 1. Dirty or stuck throttle valve: After the air conditioner is turned on, the compressor will also start working, and the compressor is driven by the engine. Therefore, turning on the air conditioner will increase the engine load, which means the engine needs to increase the throttle opening to allow more air intake. When the throttle valve has carbon deposits or is stuck, it can cause engine shaking and abnormal noise. This becomes more noticeable after the air conditioner is turned on. 2. Abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump: There are two main reasons for abnormal noise from the air conditioning pump: the electromagnetic clutch and the bearings inside the air conditioning pump. Noise from the electromagnetic clutch is mainly caused by wear and increased gap, while noise from the air conditioning pump bearings is mainly due to insufficient lubrication. If these issues are not resolved promptly, they can lead to the air conditioning pump burning out and failing to perform cooling work. 3. Improper tension of the compressor drive belt: If the drive belt is too loose, the electromagnetic clutch is prone to slipping; if the drive belt is too tight, the load on the electromagnetic clutch will increase. Improper tension of the drive belt can cause abnormal noise in mild cases and damage the air conditioning compressor in severe cases.
I've been driving for many years and have also encountered noisy air conditioning issues. Usually, fan malfunctions are the most common cause, such as fan blades covered in dust or small stones getting stuck, causing unbalanced rotation and loud noises. Aging compressors can also produce strange noises, especially in cars with high mileage. Last time, my car's fan bearings were loose, making a loud whooshing sound when the AC was on, but it was fixed after a replacement at the repair shop. I recommend regularly cleaning the AC system and checking the fan, as noise isn't just annoying—it can also affect cooling efficiency. For safety reasons, address the issue promptly to avoid distractions while driving. Now, I always do a quick check on the AC system with each season change to prevent minor issues from becoming serious.
As someone who has always been interested in automotive mechanics, I understand that air conditioning noise primarily comes from the fan or compressor. A loose fan belt can slip and produce a squealing sound, or worn internal components of the compressor, such as a faulty bearing, can cause a creaking noise. The noise becomes more noticeable when the air conditioning is turned on while driving in the summer. You can lift the hood to check the belt tension and the cleanliness of the fan blades—simple adjustments might solve the issue. If necessary, use a multimeter to test whether the voltage is normal. Avoid using cheap replacement parts to prevent the noise from recurring. Cleaning the air conditioning filter can also reduce noise caused by resistance. In short, it's crucial to identify and address minor issues early to maintain driving comfort.
