Honda Car Forum

Same thing here. Acura RL 97.

It only does it when A/C is on. And it only does it while the car is
cold. And it only does it when it's rather cold outside (did not do it
in summer). After a couple of minutes of driving, when the engine is
warm - no sound whatsoever. A/C works fine, blowing nice cold air.

And I've heard this sound before - it ended up with a frozen A/C
compressor last year, after tightening up the belt (suggested by
mechanic).

Could anybody offer any logocal explanation for this?

Thank you.

Vladimir

<vyakubovich@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1130171295.674726.200600@g44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> Same thing here. Acura RL 97.
>
> It only does it when A/C is on. And it only does it while the car is
> cold. And it only does it when it's rather cold outside (did not do it
> in summer). After a couple of minutes of driving, when the engine is
> warm - no sound whatsoever. A/C works fine, blowing nice cold air.
>
> And I've heard this sound before - it ended up with a frozen A/C
> compressor last year, after tightening up the belt (suggested by
> mechanic).
>
> Could anybody offer any logocal explanation for this?
>
> Thank you.
>
> Vladimir
>
Not necessarily what is actually happening, but....

If the A/C is overcharged, in cold conditions the refrigerant will overfill
the evaporator and liquid will find its way into the compressor. Liquid
doesn't compress, so either the clutch slips or the belt slips as the glug
makes its way through. Liquid refrigerant is very destructive to
compressors.

If there is water in the system, the expansion valve (or orifice in cheaper
systems) will freeze up and also cause excessive load on the compressor.

An A/C service by a qualified shop could be a good investment.

Mike

Thanks a lot!!