Weird AC Noise

exemplaria · Post by **exemplaria** » 24 Aug 2005, 22:47

I have a 2002 S60 AWD. I am hearing, for lack of a better word, a "gargling" noise when the A\C is on. I am 99% sure it's related to the A\C, as I only hear it when the A\C is on. I hear the sound for about 8 seconds, and it occurs about every 2 mintues, although it's not very regular. It's most likely to happen when I'm accelerating from a stop and/or turning hard. I don't think it's related to the power steering because it will happen when I'm not turning and doesn't happen when the A\C is off. The sound is hard to describe, it could be the sound of something turning on or engaging. It's a fairly quiet sound, if I am going 60 and have the stereo on I can't hear it. Is this a normal noise or does my system have low pressure, or some other problem? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

dpauto.com · Post by **dpauto.com** » 24 Aug 2005, 23:31

exemplaria,

"Gargling" is actually the best word to describe the noise and I am quite sure I know exactly what you are talking about. That "gargling" noise is actually the noise of the refrigerent flowing through the evaporator. IT'S NORMAL and not to worry about it. Some cars are just louder than the others. Just like you said, whenever you use the AC, that noise comes and goes every 2-3 minutes and when it occurs, it only lasts about some 8 seconds.

So when does it occur and when does it go away ?

Whenever your AC system is being used, the AC compressor will cycle on and off. The "gargling" noise will occur at about 1-2 seconds right after the compressor engaged ( that's when refrigerent being compressed and pushed through the evaporator). Once the refrigerent has a steady flow (about 8-10 seconds later), then that gargling noise will go away. After few minutes, the compressor will disengage. Then when the compressor reengages, guess what ??? ... here comes the "gargling" noise.

Regards,
Dave

exemplaria · Post by **exemplaria** » 25 Aug 2005, 09:30

Dave,
You're my new Hero. The noise is annoying, but it gives me an excuse to turn up the radio. Also, I live in Minnesota, so I'm only forced to run the AC for about 2 weeks of the year. Thanks again.