A/C noise problem

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Jun 12, 2002 | 02:53 PM

okcfireguy

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A/C noise problem

Hey all, another one for you. I have a 97 ford 4x4 offroad. 4.6 with 103 k. I heard a noise while using my a/c. A clicking, every so often, then getting worse. At high speeds the a/c gets warm..then freezing cold. I took it to the shop and they said at idle and max a/c with reving is good. No noise. The preasure is good on the a/c line and they said i did not need any freon.I started driving and it started again. Looked under the hood and it looks like the compressor clutch is stopping..then re engaging..That is where the click noise is coming from. It does not sound healthy. Anybody else have this problem and what was the fix ? I would like to have a little knowledge before it gets real expensive. Thanks

Jun 13, 2002 | 03:00 PM

charlsve

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A/C noise problem

Well, I do know that the compressor clutch is supposed to cycle regularly.......mine cycles around 2 to 4 times a minute. And it does make a moderate click sound. In the factory manual it says that 'excessive' clutch noise is caused by too much air gap. I think unless it is pretty loud and you can hear it in the cab with the windows closed, it is probably fine. (I can't hear mine from inside).
I have no idea about the hot, then cold at revs thing though. sorry.

However, I have been noticing a rough whirring noise from under the passenger side dash when the A/C is on low blower (it's not the blower though) and the truck is idling AND the compressor is running --- the noise goes away when the clutch cycles off. Dealer had truck for the Pitman arm squeak thing (they replaced it) and said the noise was not reproduced while they had it. BUT they did write it up so it'll be covered under ESP later. I looked in the factory manual and there didn't seem to be anything except the blower that moves under the dash, and it isn't the blower. Anyone have any ideas on this one? Didn't do it for the first year or so.

Charlie

Jun 13, 2002 | 10:09 PM

okcfireguy

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A/C noise problem

Hey, thanks for the reply. It is noticible from inside the cab with the windows rolled up and the stereo off. Very noticible when the windows are rolled down. It also makes the noise when the ac first comes on and then shut off. It has to be the clutch either going bad or maybe a voltage deal on the compressor. I know it will be expensive..ugghhhh....

Jun 14, 2002 | 09:20 AM

charlsve

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A/C noise problem

I've noticed that the noise my AC clutch makes is much like all the other AC clutches in other cars make (they all engage the same way, with the plates slamming together via an electromagnet). Try listening to a couple of AC-equipped trucks or cars and see if your noise is a LOT louder. If not much louder, but a little loouder, maybe your truck had a quieter clutch from the start and it is now wearing to where there is more of a gap between the plates. Might be OK. I tried listening to mine inside the truck with the windows up and no radio and fan on low and I can seem to JUST notice the clutch click. I can hear it with the window open, but fairly faint. When standing by the passenger wheel I can clearly hear the click, but it is not *really* loud. In other words, not loud enough that if I heard someone's truck make the sound, I'd stop and say " What the heck was that?" or anything......

Don't know if that helps you or not. Good luck!

Aug 5, 2002 | 10:01 AM

chrisindallas

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A/C noise problem

I know its been a while since you posted this but what the heck. I had a noise coming when my AC would kick in. After looking at everything and sticking my ear on every part of my engine I found out that it was a squeeking sound and came on when the Fan belt kicked in and turned the ac (i dont know what it was turning im not that vast in what it is. ) So a couple drops of 3 in 1 oil on it and it has been quiet for over a year now.

Aug 5, 2002 | 06:54 PM

BlueOvalFitter

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Joined: Aug 2002

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From: Cajun Country

A/C noise problem

Ihave a 97 F150 4.2 v6;at 70,000 miles mine did the same thing.Took it to a FORD dealership and they told me my compressor was bad and about to blow.They replaced the compressor,orfice tube,accumalator,and my fan clutch was also bad.I walked away paying $617 and some change,but ever since then it blows so cold i could hang meat in there.lol..good luck,Wayne

Aug 6, 2002 | 07:48 AM

charlsve

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A/C noise problem

Gee, I better take mine in for a check. It's only 60 degrees coming out of the center outlets on a 90 degee day at 1500rpm after a half hour! Truck is a 2000 and has only 23K on it.

It never was quite as cold as I thought it should be from new, but was adequate. Now it seems to be getting worse (warmer). Nice to know it's capable of getting 'meat locker' cold, though. Thanks!