The past 2 weeks driving the S I started to notice that when I have the AC running sometimes I hear what sounds like a quick squeal or an 'errrr' sound. It only lasts for about a second and does not do it consistently. Also when the AC is on, taking air from the outside, there seems to be a decent amount of what looks like steam coming out of the vents. It does not blow steam on recirculate and the AC still is ice cold.

Sometimes the noise will will happen when I take off from a stop or make a turn, sometimes just while stopped or at low RPM's.

It does not do it on startup and when I tried to replicate it this morning I was unable to get it do do it.

It will do it about once every 5 minutes or so, sometimes sooner.

Does this sound like the Compressor or belt maybe? I thought if it was a belt it would do it more often and would do it on startup... I am kind of confused with this whole situation.

Any thoughts?

 

Wish I could help...

I'd avoid running the AC if you think it's the culprit... If that compressor blows up, it could spew oil, freon and metal pieces through the lines and you'd have a financial nightmare on your hands.

 

The noise you describe might be due to a slightly loose or dried/rotted accessory belt. I'd have to see it to know for sure. With our auto accessory tensioner, it's not likely the belt tension.

The mist you see coming from the vents is a typical sign of slightly low refriegerant. Get the system checked/charged. You can use one of those "kits" but do so at your own risk. Do not put in more than a can. You usually can't trust just the low-side gauge that they use but putting in a can when it's misting like that generally can't hurt the system.

You may have a leak but it's not uncommon for a 5 year old car to have lost a little refrigerant and need a recharge.

 

Thanks for the advise, I'm having the same problem too!

 

I get the same thing but it's nothing to worry about.

On a seperate note, if anyone is looking for a compressor or clutch, I have two compressors with clutches with 26K miles and 28K miles. I ordered since Honda was backordered but I ordered two just to be on the safe side so Honda would install one of those and the day mine arrived, Honda released the clutch as well...go figure!

 

Hmm, Ill look in getting the system recharged.

Is there any way I can take some pictures of the area and it be beneficial to diagnosing? Or should I arrange a time to meet up with you Tod?

 

That wouldn't be beneficial at all. I would need to see it, and unfortunately I don't really have time for this sort of work anymore. 00MUGENS2 might be able to help.

 

i get the same mist thing too and the noise kinda like wind whistle kinda noise?

 

the mist seems normal to me when i have the recirculation off while driving then turning the ac on ( feels pretty humid in the car + turning on cold air = mist) only last for a few seconds then the mist is gone.....and i do get that split second squeeling noise sometimes. maybe its normal.?

 

hmmm.... how does everyone have AC noises?