Why Is There Abnormal Noise When Accelerating with the Air Conditioning On?
3 Answers
There are several reasons for abnormal noise when accelerating with the air conditioning on: 1. Belt Tension: The air conditioning belt may not be tight enough, causing it to slip. When you press the accelerator, the slipping belt produces abnormal noise. You can check the belt tension. 2. Voltage and Dirt: The electromagnetic clutch inside the compressor may slip due to insufficient circuit voltage or surface dirt and sludge. 3. Compressor Damage or Malfunction: The car's air conditioning compressor is the heart of the entire system. If the compressor has issues, it can cause corresponding faults. 4. Bearing Failure: A faulty tension bearing on the compressor's drive belt can also produce abnormal noise.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered this kind of abnormal noise several times. It's quite annoying - whenever I turn on the AC and step on the gas pedal, there's this squeaking sound. The main reason is that after the AC compressor starts, the engine load increases, and when accelerating, the engine vibration intensifies. At this point, if the belt is aged or loose, it's prone to slipping and making noise. It could also be that the tensioner is worn and not tight enough, or that the cooling system's fan bearings have rusted. I suggest you first check if the belt has any cracks or damage, and adjust it if it's too loose. If not addressed promptly, the belt might break and affect driving safety. Regular maintenance and lubrication of related components can prevent this issue - my car rarely makes such noises now.
As a car enthusiast, I often do my own repairs. This noise is common: when the AC is on, the compressor consumes more power, increasing engine load, and stepping on the gas pedal intensifies the vibration. It's often caused by an old, stretched belt slipping and squeaking, or a stuck tensioner not keeping it tight. Loose AC brackets or lack of lubrication in the fan bearings can also cause noise. Test for belt slip with soapy water or adjust the tension with a wrench. Identify and fix the issue early before it worsens, like a snapped belt leaving you stranded. From my experience, checking the belt and pulley group every six months keeps the car running quietly.
