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A/C not working, makes grinding noise when turning on A/C

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015.

  1. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Fearing the worse here on my 2011 Prius Four, not IV. When I press the "on" A/C button I hear a grinding noise for about two seconds. Seems to be coming from a low area in engine.

    Any suggestions? I wish I knew how to upload a video to this thread.
     
  2. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    the ac compressor is the most likely suspect...
     
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    upload to youtube and provide a link
     
  4. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Thanks. Here's the thread

     
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    this sound happens every time the AC turns on? I actually didn't hear the AC come on. Is your engine low on oil or does it burn oil? Sounds like an engine trying to turn over
     
  6. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Maybe its louder than normal. Not sure. I've had the car over a year now and never noticed the noise. Oil good. The A/C is blowing hot.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Well your issue is not that it makes the noise....your issue is the AC DOES NOT WORK :D

    Well somebody with more knowledge will need to help you. Sounds bad I must say
     
  8. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Here's a longer video with the grinding getting worse. Car engine is fully charged and quiet. All the noise you hear is when the AC is turned on. Painful to listen.

     
  9. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Appreciate the time. Thanks.
     
  10. PriusC_Commuter

    PriusC_Commuter Active Member

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    I think this might be in the wrong subforum, since it's listed under Prius C.
     
  11. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Thanks. I'm lost with this stuff. Lol.
     
    PriusC_Commuter likes this.
  12. PriusC_Commuter

    PriusC_Commuter Active Member

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    Thought so lol. You will likely get better traction in the right subforum. A mod could move the thread for you.
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    take it to a dealer, get a repair estimate, and call toyota for a good faith warranty.
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  14. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Even without the ICE running, when I turn on the A/C/Auto (outside temp 90º+, cabin temp set to 68º) I can hear creaks and groans of the flaps/servos being moved, as well as the recirculating flap being moved (although as the target temp is reached the recirc. flap is returned to its normal (external) position. - hope this helps - Wil
     
  15. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    My GII has developed a recirculating damper noise too.
    I am beginning to think about what it will take to fix it.
     
  16. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Ear-plugs? …or turn up the stereo? ;)