Diagnostic procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOISE WHILE OPERATING A/C SYSTEM - DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

STEP	INSPECTION		ACTION
1	INSPECT A/C COMPRESSOR SLIPPAGE NOISE Is there a squeaking or whirling sound (A/C compressor slippage noise)?	Yes	Go to Step 4.
1		No	Go to next step.
2	INSPECT A/C COMPRESSOR INTERFERENCE NOISE Is there a rattling or vibrating sound (interference noise)?	Yes	Go to Step 7.
2		No	Go to next step.
3	INSPECT MAGNETIC CLUTCH OPERATION NOISE Is there a clicking sound (magnetic clutch operation noise)?	Yes	Adjust clearance between pressure plate of magnetic clutch and A/C compressor pulley, then go to Step 8.
3		No	Condition is normal. (Recheck malfunction symptoms.)
4	INSPECT DRIVE BELT Inspect drive belt. Is it normal?	Yes	Go to next step.
4	INSPECT DRIVE BELT Inspect drive belt. Is it normal?	No	Adjust or replace drive belt, then go to Step 8.
5	INSPECT DRIVE BELT CONDITION Is drive belt worn? Does it have foreign material imbedded in it, or have oil on it?	Yes	Remove obstruction, remove oil, or replace drive belt, then go to Step 8.
5		No	Go to next step.
6	INSPECT MAGNETIC CLUTCH Inspect magnetic clutch. Is it normal?	Yes	Replace A/C compressor (excluding pressure plate, A/C compressor pulley, and stator), then go to Step 8.
6		No	Replace magnetic clutch, then go to Step 8.
7	CHECK TO SEE WHETHER MALFUNCTION IS IN A/C COMPRESSOR OR REFRIGERANT LINES Is noise emitted from A/C compressor?	Yes	Visually inspect A/C compressor, replace appropriate parts if necessary, then go to next step.
7		No	If noise is due to refrigerant lines, repair detached or missing clips, tighten loose bolts, then go to next step.
8	VERIFY THAT MALFUNCTION SYMPTOM OCCURS AFTER REPAIR Has A/C compressor noise stopped?	Yes	Troubleshooting completed. Explain repairs to customer.
8		No	Recheck malfunction symptoms, then repeat from Step 1 if malfunction recurs.