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A/C Noise Problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Caleb302105, May 27, 2015.

  1. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    Hello,

    I first noticed a strange noise coming from the engine compartment a day ago. I had left the car to sit in the sun for a few hours. When I got in the A/C was set to on and the system was on auto. I tested to see if the noise went away when I turned off the A/C and it did. I turned it back on and it returned. I know the A/C operates at different speeds based upon cooling needs and that it can get sort of noisy but I didn't think that it could/should get this loud. The system seems to begin working quickly and it does seem to put out cold air. Is anyone else's A/C as loud as this one? If the noise is unusual do you think that it indicates another underlying problem in the A/C system?

    Just to clarify, the ICE is not running in the video. The cabin fan is set to low and the temperature is set to low. The person in the car presses the A/C button and the cooling fans in the engine compartment come on as well as the A/C unit.

    The sound gets louder a few seconds in.

    Here is the link to the recording I made of the sound.


    Thank you so much for your help.
     
    #1 Caleb302105, May 27, 2015
    Last edited: May 27, 2015
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I think my car makes that noise.
     
    #2 JC91006, May 27, 2015
  3. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    Are you able to hear it over the ICE when it's running?
     
    #3 Caleb302105, May 27, 2015
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I can hear that sound really loud and clear on my 2010 too. I can't hear it much inside the car, outside the car, my 2010 is very loud
     
    #4 JC91006, May 27, 2015
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I'm not convinced the ICE is running in most of that vid. The water pump pulley looks stationary to me when you zoom in on it. That would mean the sounds are just compressor and fans....

    -Chap
     
    #5 ChapmanF, May 27, 2015
  6. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    You're right. The ICE is not running. I was meaning can JC91006 here his when it's running.
     
    #6 Caleb302105, May 27, 2015
  7. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    Does anyone think that this sound could be indicative of a problem with the unit?
    Thank you.
     
    #7 Caleb302105, May 27, 2015
    Last edited: May 28, 2015
  8. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, the air conditioner compressor sounds quite loud.

    Look at the sight glass on the high pressure side of the system (this is near the windshield washer reservoir) while the AC compressor is running to make sure that you don't see bubbles. If there are no bubbles and the system is generating uncomfortably cold air when the cabin air temp is set to MAX COLD and the fan speed is on the fastest position, then it has sufficient refrigerant.

    In that case, I would not worry about the noise because the sound likely is caused by the compressor motor bearing clearances being a bit looser than normal. The only reasonable action that you could take is to replace the compressor. You'd might as well wait until the system has an actual failure - why incur a four-digit repair bill just for a noise.
     
    #8 Patrick Wong, May 28, 2015
    Last edited: May 28, 2015
  9. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it. I wasn't sure if there was anything maintenance or fluid orientated that could be attended to in order to help it feel better :). One more question if you have time. When do we usually have to recharge these A/C systems or do we never have to unless there is a leak? Thanks again.
     
    #9 Caleb302105, May 28, 2015
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    My 2004 has 196K miles and the refrigerant has never been recharged. There is no need to do that unless a leak develops, and then of course the leak first has to be identified and fixed before the system is recharged - for a permanent solution to the problem.
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, May 28, 2015
  11. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    Okay, thanks again for the advice. I appreciate you spending the time to help me.
    Have a good evening. :)
     
    #11 Caleb302105, May 28, 2015
    theshark likes this.
  12. Caleb302105

    Caleb302105 Junior Member

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    Thanks everybody for your input. I guess I won't worry about the sound and I'll just wait for the compressor to come to the end of its life. That solves that problem. :)
     
    #12 Caleb302105, May 28, 2015
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