Windshield Defroster when on the AC compressor has a horrible sound. however ac blows cold when switched to vent and no noise or much quieter. Not sure if it has something to do with the clutch or what.


Thanks again for the insight and help you have all provided. I have been a "visitor" on the forum this is probably only my first post.

Thanks in advance

 

Does it only happen with the A/C on?

 

Really only happens when the windshield defroster is on with heat. Haven't had many days to try out AC. Ideas on what to try? The sound is what I'm guessing is the compressor's clutch maybe not fully engaging but I'm not sure. If that is case would I have to replace the whole compressor or just the clutch? I have a sound clip but not sure how to get it off my phone.

Thanks for the reply.

 

I can email the video/sound clip. It was dark outside so not much to see...

 

I am a little lost. The windshield defroster vents are only different from the other vents by way of routing from the heater sub-assembly. If the floor vents sound one way and the windshield vents sound another, the A/C compressor isn't the common denominator. You are saying that the sound also happens when the windshield vents are on, but the A/C is off? It doesn't happen with cold? From the ambiguous details given, I have to guess the sub-assembly has an issue.

 

The noise is in the engine compartment not the vents. The defroster from what I'm told initializes the clutch from the AC compressor when activated.

 

Turn to "Auto" and turn down temp all the way and see if sound appears. Then turn temp up to see if sound goes away when AC disengages

 

I will give that a try and report back. Keep on Auto the whole time right?

 

yes - Auto the whole time

 

So with daylight I was able to take a closer look at things. Seems temperature outside has something to do with it as well when cold out it is much louder. I believe it is the secondary cooling fan not the compressor making the noise. Hopefully I will have more time this weekend to actually disconnect the fan and see if it happens.

Also it doesn't seem to matter if it is AC or heat or windshield or vent. It's my wife's car so getting time to mess with it is limited.

Once I get the fan disconnected I will see if the noise goes away completely. Does anyone know the part number for the secondary fan (passenger side) so if it is bad I can get one ordered.

 

I just had the passenger side radiator fans replaced because of vibration/noise.
I may still have the receipt in the car. If so, I can post part number after lunch

I only noticed the noise at idle and felt vibration through steering wheel.

 

One fan is for the radiator, and one is for the A/C condenser.

Parts are here: http://www.oemacuraparts.com/parts-c...radiator-denso