A/C Compressor Noise, Intermittant
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2018
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A/C Compressor Noise, Intermittant
I'm having a problem with a loud hard to describe noise, kind of like chattering noise, coming from the A/C compressor on a 2011 Ranger with a 4 L engine for just maybe two seconds when the A/C is activated, only the first time when the engine is running when it's cold out. I replaced the A/C clutch cycling switch since according to a Tech it had a problem but apparently it wasn't causing the clutch chattering problem. It sounds like it is being rapidly turned on and off for around two seconds, only the first time when it's cold out. After the 2011 Ranger sets for at least a day, as I recall, then it will do it again. I attached a sound file. You may have to turn up your audio to hear it well.
Do you know what a person needs to do to fix it?
Thanks
Do you know what a person needs to do to fix it?
Thanks
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2018
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Concerning the A/C controls, the noise occurs without a person doing anything with the A/C control (Of course the control has to be set to a position where the A/C will come on.) You asked what type of OAT was it. If are you referring to the type of antifreeze, this has nothing to do with it as the noise is definitely coming from the A/C compressor.
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2018
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As I mentioned, the noise occurs without a person doing anything with the controls. I have not measured the outside temp when this occurs.
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
Well was it a really cold, or warm day when it first began & do you remember where the function controls were set? The A/C compressor can run in all but the Vent & Off settings, or unless the OAT is below about 50 deg as I remember. Anyway it might be helpful to know if the compressor is trying to run, or if the noise is external, just restricted to the compressor clutch assy, when in it's freewheeling mode, not trying to turn the compressor? If the noise comes about when the clutch engages to start the compressor, or just when the compressor is turning, that could help in trying to isolate & figure out what's going on.
When the compressor runs, does it cool ok, does it make any untoward noise? Has the system had a pressure check? Do you have a lit dash CEL?
When the compressor runs, does it cool ok, does it make any untoward noise? Has the system had a pressure check? Do you have a lit dash CEL?
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Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2018
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It only has made the noise when it is cold out, like maybe around freezing or lower. As for where the A/C control is set, it doesn't matter as long as it is at a position where the A/C is allowed to run of course. As in the sound recording, there is no strange noise until the clutch is activated. The A/C operation is normal. Once the noise occurs for like for maybe two seconds, it stops without any change in anything---just letting the engine run. If the A/C clutch is cycled on again, the noise will not occur until the vehicle is started the following day and it's cold out. The pressures were normal when it was checked when it was, I suppose around room temperature out. The issue has not triggered the engine check light.
Because changing the A/C cycling switch, which was not working correctly according to a Tech with a ASE Certification did not resolve the problem, I thought I would see if anyone else has had a similar problem. We haven't checked the supply voltage to the clutch yet with an oscilloscope to see if the A/C cycling switch is rapidly turning the clutch on and off briefly.
Because changing the A/C cycling switch, which was not working correctly according to a Tech with a ASE Certification did not resolve the problem, I thought I would see if anyone else has had a similar problem. We haven't checked the supply voltage to the clutch yet with an oscilloscope to see if the A/C cycling switch is rapidly turning the clutch on and off briefly.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2006
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it almost sounds like the clutch isn't grabbing enough. there is a small gap between the front disk and the pulley, how wide is it? should be about .015" to about .020"
next time you get a chance rotate the outer disk by hand to check for smoothness or crunchy sounds.
the disk comes off with the 8mm bolt in the center, there are shims inside the back side of it. change the shims to adjust the gap.
with the disk off you can see the retaining ring that holds the pulley on, there is a big bearing inside the pulley., take the belt off before removing the pulley, if needed.
about that disk, its actually 2 disks held together by 3 rubber pads., if the rubber is hardened it won't flex enough to allow the inner disk to be pulled against the pulley.
you can remove and clean the disk and pulley without disturbing the Freon.
next time you get a chance rotate the outer disk by hand to check for smoothness or crunchy sounds.
the disk comes off with the 8mm bolt in the center, there are shims inside the back side of it. change the shims to adjust the gap.
with the disk off you can see the retaining ring that holds the pulley on, there is a big bearing inside the pulley., take the belt off before removing the pulley, if needed.
about that disk, its actually 2 disks held together by 3 rubber pads., if the rubber is hardened it won't flex enough to allow the inner disk to be pulled against the pulley.
you can remove and clean the disk and pulley without disturbing the Freon.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
Post up the low & high side system pressures that were measured & if they were measured since the chatter noise started. If pressure is ok, with the low mileage on this puppy, maybe add an acting out low side pressure switch to the suspect list, causing the cutch to chatter until the system builds some pressure to satisfy the switch setting.
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4wd Low
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The pressures are okay, as far as I know, according to a Tech with a ASE Certification and around 40 years experience when measured after the problem started at perhaps around room temp. I can't check anything further until after my Ranger comes back from a body repair shop.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
Ok when you get it back, try swapping the AC clutch relay out for a like one not needed to run the engine, like the horn relay if its a like type & see if the AC clutch chatter stops. If so, replace the old relay. Relays are a common problem part, so have earned their spot on a suspect list.
If the clutch power relay checks ok, check the under hood battery junction box relay fuse 43/20amp & clutch fuse 25/10amp contacts for corrosion, or loose fit. If that's ok put the high & low side pressure switches, or the electrical connections, or wiring to them or on the suspect list.
If all that checks out ok, measure the system high & low side pressure before & when first starting & post the Numbers.
Are you certain the noise is coming from the AC clutch? The reason I ask is there is a TSB 11-11-22 out for the serp belt tensioner making a ticking/rattle noise on a cold start that sounds a lot like the noise & conditions you've described. Use a stethoscope to confirm the noise source.
More trouble shooting thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.
If the clutch power relay checks ok, check the under hood battery junction box relay fuse 43/20amp & clutch fuse 25/10amp contacts for corrosion, or loose fit. If that's ok put the high & low side pressure switches, or the electrical connections, or wiring to them or on the suspect list.
If all that checks out ok, measure the system high & low side pressure before & when first starting & post the Numbers.
Are you certain the noise is coming from the AC clutch? The reason I ask is there is a TSB 11-11-22 out for the serp belt tensioner making a ticking/rattle noise on a cold start that sounds a lot like the noise & conditions you've described. Use a stethoscope to confirm the noise source.
More trouble shooting thoughts for consideration, let us know what you find.
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2018
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According to an experienced A/C Tech, the A/C compressor makes a loud racket when turned on the first time when cold out because it is slugged by liquid refrigerant which forms in suction hose when cold. This is damaging to the compressor. The suction hose is too low in the system due to poor design!
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BlackNGoldRules
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Jul 17, 2009 01:35 PM