Noise Diagnosis - Air Conditioning (A/C) System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Step	Action	Yes	No
DEFINITION: Noise originating from the A/C compressor, drive belt or the A/C lines.
1	Were you sent here from Symptoms or another diagnostic table?	Go to Step 2	Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual or Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic
2	A/C system noises can be generally categorized into 3 areas: Screeching, squealing, chirping noises Moaning noises Vibration/rattle noises Start the engine. Ensure that the A/C is ON. Is a screeching, squealing noise heard when the A/C is ON?	Go to Step 3	Go to Step 8
3	With the engine OFF, inspect the drive belt for excessive wear. Refer to the appropriate procedure Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis Is the drive belt excessively worn?	Go to Step 14	Go to Step 4
4	Inspect the drive belt tension. Refer to the appropriate procedure Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis Is the drive belt tension correct?	Go to Step 5	Go to Step 15
5	Inspect the drive belt for excessive oil coverage. Is the drive belt covered with oil?	Go to Step 13	Go to Step 6
6	Start the engine. Ensure that the A/C is ON. Inspect the compressor. Is the A/C compressor locked up?	Go to Step 19	Go to Step 7
7	WARNING: Refer to Moving Parts and Hot Surfaces Warning . Using a stethoscope, listen to the A/C compressor for any abnormal noises.Is the compressor causing an abnormal noise?	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 8
8	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?	Go to Step 16	Go to Step 9
9	Idle the engine in PARK. 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?	Go to Step 18	Go to Step 10
10	Idle the engine in PARK with the A/C ON. 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?	Go to Step 17	Go to Step 20
11	Verify that the A/C system is properly charged. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities (R-1234yf) Approximate Fluid Capacities (R-134a) . Is the A/C system properly charged?	Go to Step 21	Go to Step 12
12	Recharge the A/C system to specification. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging (R-134a) Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging (R-1234yf) . Is the abnormal compressor noise still present?	Go to Step 19	Go to Step 21
13	Repair the oil leak. Refer to the appropriate procedure Oil Leak Diagnosis Is the repair complete?	Go to Step 14	-
14	Replace the drive belt. Refer to the appropriate procedure Drive Belt Replacement (L5Q)Drive Belt Replacement (LV7) Is the replacement complete?	Go to Step 21	-
15	Replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to the appropriate procedure Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement (L5Q)Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement (LV7) Is the replacement complete?	Go to Step 21	-
16	Repair or replace the A/C compressor mounting component. Is the repair complete?	Go to Step 21	-
17	Repair or replace the component which is causing the moaning concern as needed. Is the repair complete?	Go to Step 21	-
18	Correctly route or insulate the A/C component. Is the repair complete?	Go to Step 21	-
19	Replace the A/C compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement . Is the repair complete?	Go to Step 21	-
20	The concern may be caused by an engine related component. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Engine . Did you find and correct the condition?	Go to Step 21	-
21	Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you find and correct the condition?	System OK	Go to Step 2