Weird A/C Noises

[bam1789]

So for a while now, since ive bought my '04 S (5 months ago) ive been hearing these weird noises that are coming from the air vents when the a/c is on. Its hard to explain how it sounds, but its kinda this squeling/dog yelp (dont know how else to explain it). But it does it usually when im taking off from a stop or rev the engine a little bit, even if i just push in the clutch. has anyone else heard this noise or know of anything?
THanks, Bam

[jagg]

I'd be getting an ear on the compressor, and making sure that it had enough oil in it....'n check under the hood for a stuck dog.

[bam1789]

The only thing that I could think of was that since the compressor is belt driven by the engine, that when I rev its causing the compressor to spin faster after it has been at a slower speed and thus causing the weird noise. But I really dont know. Im taking it in on wednesday for the 15k maintenance and they should check it then. And Im pretty sure theres no dog haha

[JOECHY]

Mine does the same exact thing! I am going to have it looked at soon. The only difference between what you described and what I am experiencing is that when mine makes this sound the cold air gets a bit warmer. When the sound ends the air goes back to being ac cold. Keep me posted. I won't be able to get mine looked at until next pay day in mid May.

Thanks

[JOECHY]

.... by the way I also drive an 04' with 66,500 miles on'er.

[bam1789]

Joechy, my air still stays cool, Its really confusing me though. Ima see what the dealer says and ill get back to ya. I really doubt my compressor is going, cuz heck I only have 15k. but we'll see. Thats what a nice warranty is for. keep ya posted.
BAM

[TheSoundMan21]

Originally Posted by JOECHY

Mine does the same exact thing! I am going to have it looked at soon. The only difference between what you described and what I am experiencing is that when mine makes this sound the cold air gets a bit warmer. When the sound ends the air goes back to being ac cold. Keep me posted. I won't be able to get mine looked at until next pay day in mid May.

Thanks

Dude you need to have your a/c lines checked. If it gets warmer that means your running out of R-134a. Which also doubles as oil for the a/c compressor. So if you run out the stuff you will lock up the compressor. My sugestion is dont use the darn thing til you guys get that checked.

[bam1789]

So I took it to the dealer, they looked, drove, didnt hear it or find anything. Of Course. Thankyou automotive technician!! But i guess since they didnt find anything, it means that nothing is very wrong so ill just have to keep listening and stuff. had the 15k maintanence done and everything checked out my left front brake still squeeks though:/ gahhh cant figure it out!

[JOECHY]

Originally Posted by bam1789

So for a while now, since ive bought my '04 S (5 months ago) ive been hearing these weird noises that are coming from the air vents when the a/c is on. Its hard to explain how it sounds, but its kinda this squeling/dog yelp (dont know how else to explain it). But it does it usually when im taking off from a stop or rev the engine a little bit, even if i just push in the clutch. has anyone else heard this noise or know of anything?
THanks, Bam

Ok so I took mine in today. After reading your last post I decided not to go to the dealer (didn't want to pay them to tell me they didn't hear anything) and instead I went to my highly talented mechanic whom I trust (he's worked on my Prelude SI since 1999). He checked it out and told me that the condensation build up after frequent use had potentially created "air pockets" inside of the compressor causing warm air to blow. Since the warm air directly followed the "yelping noise" from the ac, he figured a simple drain and fill should solve both my ac problems. Time will tell I will keep you posted. Cross your fingers this could be the solution.

If anyone has or has had this similar problem please step forward. Is it possible this could have been an overlooked recall for those of us who own used Stewies?

[philiam]

Look at the underside of the drive belt. If it's shiny you have a loose belt. when you rev it and the compressor kicks in a worn belt will squeal like a banshee.

[JOECHY]

Well after approximately three weeks the noise is still there. I guess it is what it is. Really wierd though.

[philiam]

A car AC needs to be used at least once a week for a few minutes, even in the winter. Other wise the seals will dry out and coolant will leak. There is an oil mixed with the coolant that keeps the seals lubricated. Try replacing the coolant.

[JOECHY]

Will try and keep you posted. Thanks for the new advice.

[lonestarbuzz]

loose belt would be the only thing i can think of. it seems to be just barely loose too. since ya'll are both in warm climates (houston especially with the humidity) the belts will expand a little more (not much, but enough to make a sound). can't explain the warm air though.

it would make sense that the tech couldn't reproduce the problem if the engine was warm, most of the time, loose ac belts only make noise when the engine is cooler (unless they are really loose).

belts are cheap and simple to do, try it out and let me know.

[Boost Convert]

Originally Posted by lonestarbuzz

loose belt would be the only thing i can think of. it seems to be just barely loose too. since ya'll are both in warm climates (houston especially with the humidity) the belts will expand a little more (not much, but enough to make a sound). can't explain the warm air though.

it would make sense that the tech couldn't reproduce the problem if the engine was warm, most of the time, loose ac belts only make noise when the engine is cooler (unless they are really loose).

belts are cheap and simple to do, try it out and let me know.

Yeah, that's all I can think of too...I checked and there is nothing from Honda with that issue that is common...let me know if the belts work, i'm curious too!

[jagg]

Tensioner could be getting a little weak......'n not taking the slack totally out of the belt.

jagg

[philiam]

"can't explain the warm air though."

A loose belt wouldn't turn the compressor fast enough and could the air from cooling. The noise could be the belt rubbing on the compressor pulley.

[lonestarbuzz]

Originally Posted by philiam

"can't explain the warm air though."

A loose belt wouldn't turn the compressor fast enough and could the air from cooling. The noise could be the belt rubbing on the compressor pulley.

agreed. but would that make the air warm? i feel like it would just be not as cool as it could be, not necessarily warm.

[philiam]

Besides the evaporator there is also a heater core in that area. The refrigerant in the evaperator might be picking heat up from the surrounding area.

Just food for thought.

[JOECHY]

I think that may be it. Another peice of the puzzle that I didn't mention was that at a stop light, sometimes, I put it in gear when the light turns green and hit the gas, thats when the noise is most prominant and the air gets colder. Its almost as if the engine revving and moving activates the AC. Does that solidify anyone's theory? Once again the mechanic said he couldn't detect anything and yes the car was warm when I brought it in. It was on a Friday afternoon so they were able to get to it almost imediately. I dunno. My question is why didn't the mechanic consider these logical ideas instead of performing what he performed??

I wonder where BAM is, I am curious to see if he is still having this issue.....

[philiam]

I once took an RV in to Sears to have the AC recharged. After they charged it, it didn't work. The compressor would turn. Sears wanted to sell me a new compressor. I took it home, tightened the belt and it worked just fine. Your belt might need to be tightened.

[lonestarbuzz]

i agree. it doesn't sound "replace-it" loose. try tightening, if that doesn't work, replace it. this is fairly simple and cheap.

[jagg]

There is no adjustment for the belt.

[Boost Convert]

How many miles on the car again?

[philiam]

The tensioner could be bad. By now the belt is probably glazed and needs replaced.