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Bad Compressor Noise

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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 11:30 AM
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Question Bad Compressor Noise

Hello I recently aquired an '03 Expy (2700mi), and almost every time I start the truck in the morning being summer know, I start the A/C as well. The problem is the A/C compressor makes an awful grinding noise for at least 30 seconds, this is every time the truck has been parked over night. I took it to the dealer and they said it is the compressor oil that seattles over night and then it gets pumped - up again when it is started. From my prespective this is absurd, the engine oil does seattle overnight and gets pumped at ignition but it does not make these awful noises. Is there somehting wrong with the compressor or sytem? I would really appreciate any advise or similar expericences.
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Last edited by maresjos; Jul 29, 2003 at 11:47 AM.
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 03:42 PM
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Question Bad Compressor Noise

I tried posting this message before but don't know what happend, the problem I have is that my recently aquired '03 Expy is making a grinding noise that comes form the compressor. This happens every time I start the A/C, specially after the SUV has been parked overnight. I took it to the dealer and they said is the oil that seattles in the compressor, so once is started the oil is pumped-up and the problem vanishes. In my prespective this explanation is absurd, the engine oil does seattle and you dont hear does noises even on extreme cold weather, I believe that is why synthetic oils were invented, to enhance performance and rough start ups. It is incredible that a vehicle of this price performs unprofessional stunts like this .Sorry, I am only frustrated. I hope someone has a solution or similar problem that may help me and others find a solution.

Thanks.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 03:50 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

First off, you have a special oil in the air conditioning system and it is meant for air conditioning. It has nothing to do with the oil in the pan that you check with the dipstick.

Now, the fact that that oil settles, is absurd to me. The compressor should not make noise when started. If it does, that means that something is wrong. Either it is low on refrigerant or it has some bad seals that is letting the fluid drain out. Take it back and back. It is under warranty, they should replace the compressor and see what happens. My new '03 RAV4 doesn't do that, nor did my 1990 F250 when their was refrigerant in it. If that dealer doesn't want to fix it, take it somewhere else. Or call the customer service number and make a complaint. That isn't right to me.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 04:19 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

Head back to the dealership and ask the service manager to start a couple 2003 Expys on the lot early in the morning. If they all make the noise you might have to accept it, but if they don't make the noise (I'll put my money on this option), raise some hell.

There is no way a modern component is engineered to operate the way your service rep indicated.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 04:55 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

Buzzard is right. This is not a acceptable situation. It sounds like your expy is brand new? i.e under warrranty? If so, I'd try another dealer for a different opinion. Anyway, just my .02 cents.

PbFoot
 
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 05:48 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

Thanks buzzard and PBFoot, I will follow your advise. Hopefully I would get to the bottom of this issue, and while so I'll keep the forum posted. Another concern that I have is the fact that most of the time while breaking, some vibration can be felt on the steering wheel,is not too stong, but fair enough to feel like something is loose under neath. For this concern the rep. told me that maybe the tires still had to much thread on 'em I guess he implied I have to wait until I'm out of rubber to get a smooth handle on the vehicle....non sense. ..oh! almost forgot yes the Expy is new and is still under warranty.

Thanks
 
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 06:20 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

Its common for oil slugging to occur, but only a momentary "thunk", not grinding for 30 seconds. Leave with your dealer overnight and have them test it on a cold startup.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2003 | 01:49 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

Similar question...Have a new 2003 expie xlt with the manual dual air. We are noticing a hissing noise coming from the vents in the passenger area. It seems to come and go, but very regular. Air is plenty cold all the time. Any ideas on what is causing the hissing?
P.S. I'm pretty sure it isn't one of the vents being partially closed like the dealer said.
 
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Old Aug 1, 2003 | 02:34 PM
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Bad Compressor Noise

maresjos, you need to find another dealer or a better service rep.

Your tires have too much tread on them, they are on drugs. You have a rotor problem, more than likely. They need to check the brakes, etc. Their reasoning behind things is foolish and absurd. There should be no vibration, ever, especially with new cars. If they insist about the vibration thing, insist on a test drive in other Expys and if they do the same thing, then I might believe them but I do not think they are correct.

This is one reason why I won't buy a new Ford, I love my 1990 but the fit quality and experience of most dealers is sub-standard. I bought a '03 RAV4(Toyota) and have 12000 miles in 3 months with not one problem, except for smudge on the bumper and headlight adjustment.

Keep going back until it is fixed. When they give you some lame excuse, insist on going for a ride with the rep in one of the Expys on the lot and if it doesn't do it, yours shouldn't either.

Good luck
 
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