DjChuck

Got this car from my father in-law and it sat for a long time, only 100k miles though and passed emissions after replacing the battery. Has some hiccups and gremlins but all in all, not bad. Would like to get the AC running though before summer kicks off. Had the car idling in the driveway with the A/C "on" and I was hearing a low bass "whump" like when you light a gas BBQ but quieter and very low. IT actually took me several moments to realize it was actually coming from the engine compartment.

Now my plan WAS to get a DIY A/C refill kit but now I am concerned that would be wasteful. I hadn't noticed the noise until now and it definitely stops when I turn off the A/C. It sounds like an irregular discharge of compressed air but very low in tone (like a distant subwoofer). And it's not a regular tempo either but more staccato and doesn't seem to have a pattern to it. I should also add the air coming out of the vents is pretty much ambient temp.

Thoughts? Am I over-reacting? Low pressure noise? Failing A/C doohickey part of some sort? Any information and or data would be appreciated.

DjChuck

I went back out to troubleshoot the washer fluid nozzles and the noise started back up, without turning on the A/C. So I guess it's not related to the A/C after all? Maybe a tune up will help.

Zac88

Would you be able to post a video of the sounds?