DEFINITION: Noise originating from the A/C compressor, drive belt, or the A/C lines.

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1. A/C system noises can be generally categorized into 3 areas:

•	Screeching, squealing, chirping noises

•	Moaning noises

•	Vibration/rattle noises

2. Start the engine.
3. Ensure that the A/C is ON.

Is a screeching, squealing noise heard when the A/C is engaged?

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With the engine OFF, inspect the drive belt for excessive wear. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

Is the drive belt excessively worn?

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Inspect the drive belt tension. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

Is the drive belt tension correct?

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Inspect the drive belt for excessive oil coverage.

Is the drive belt covered with oil?

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1. Start the engine.
2. Ensure that the A/C is ON.
3. Inspect the compressor and the clutch.

Is the A/C compressor locked up?

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Is the A/C compressor clutch slipping?

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Warning: Refer to Moving Parts and Hot Surfaces Warning in the Preface section.

Using a stethoscope, listen to the A/C compressor for any abnormal noises.

Is the compressor causing an abnormal noise?

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Does a moaning noise exist when the A/C clutch is engaged?

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Listen to the A/C compressor components and mounting for noise concerns using a stethoscope.

Are any of these components loose, damaged, or excessively worn?

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1. Idle the engine.
2. Engage the A/C compressor clutch.
3. Using a stethoscope, move around the entire refrigerant plumbing system. Listening for any abnormal noises caused by a component of the A/C system touching another component.

Are any of the A/C components grounding out and causing a vibration noise?

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Does a vibration or rattle noise exist when the A/C clutch is engaged?

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Does the noise stop when the A/C clutch is disengaged?

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1. Idle the engine in PARK with the A/C compressor clutch engaged.
2. Using a stethoscope, move around the entire A/C system testing for any abnormal noises caused by a component.

Do any of the A/C components cause an abnormal noise?

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Verify that the A/C system is properly charged. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities.

Is the A/C system properly charged?

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Recharge the A/C system to specification. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.

Is the abnormal compressor noise still present?

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Repair the oil leak. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

Is the repair complete?

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Replace the drive belt. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

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Replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

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Repair or replace the A/C compressor mounting component.

Is the repair complete?

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Repair or replace the component which is causing the moaning concern as needed.

Is the repair complete?

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Correctly route or insulate the A/C component.

Is the repair complete?

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Replace the A/C compressor clutch. Refer to LINK .

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Replace the A/C compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement.

Is the repair complete?

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The concern may be caused by an engine related component. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Engine.

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

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