A/C compressor noise?

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:29 pm

As if my Vibe needs any more issues than it already has, another thing has cropped up... Last night I noticed a rather disturbing sound, wish I could describe it... Some sort of knocking/grinding/vibrating type of sound, directly proportional to engine speed. That's about as good as I can do to describe it. It seems to have a "sweet spot" around 2,000 RPM when in second gear and putting a bit of a load on the engine (i.e. driving slowly up a hill, etc) where it really starts to make a racket. As soon as the A/C is switched off (or the mode knob is moved away from defrost) the noise goes away. Comes back once the A/C is fired back up. Signs point to the A/C compressor, no? I wonder if it has been slowly crapping out for a while, thus the terrible A/C performance over the summer.In addition, when the fan is set to its lowest setting, it sounds like I have plumbing problems over in the right side of the dash... Lots of gurgling, hissing, etc. That may be normal, I dunno... Air conditioners do make noise, so not sure - does anyone else notice that? It seems louder than what it used to be, and certainly louder than the previous cars.I'm going to record some of this madness with my PDA next time I'm in the car, hopefully if it picks up the noise I'll be able to post the file to see what you guys think. Or maybe put a mic under the hood and connect it to the laptop. lolAt this point, I'm glad I went with my gut feeling, and shelled out the cash to get the GM extended warranty. The "Oh, it's a Toyota, you won't need it!" jazz just didn't sit right with me. I love this car and hate to see myself say it, but I think I made the right decision here. Things crap out, and I've got a fantastic group of guys to work with at the shop, so I'm not too bent out of shape about it. It's still a thousand times better than the clunker I traded in. lolAs always, any input on yet another gripe of mine will be greatly appreciated.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 9:39 pm

sounds like it oculd be the compressor, or maybe something else on the same drive belt that is affected when the compressor load is there.If you're under warranty, then take it in. Make sure you know what to do to recreate the sounds for the dealer. and of course, let us know what the solution is.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 10:52 pm

I agree with joatmon, you're most likely right, but when the compressor clutch engages, it does put a pretty hefty pull on things..Do let us know..

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:19 am

Have you ever changed the belt? Tensioner? Possibly the compressor is going you will find out in due time, never had one go on me. About the only part replaceable on a comp is the clutch, possibly it is that. This may be a tough one to diag. at this stage.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Oct 13, 2004 6:23 am

Thanks for the replies! I think I'll drive out to the dealer sometime tomorrow and see if I can get a tech to go for a short drive with me.If I throw it in second (i've got an auto, btw) and leave it there when driving slowly on a side street, I *should* be able to duplicate it for them. At least that worked this morning. MiVibe-ToolGuy, still on the original belt and tensioner. Hasn't been off (so far!) I better get this checked out to avoid the possibility that something locks up and shreds the belt to bits... Will certainly keep you posted!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:13 am

For your listening (dis)pleasure, I have recorded the sound my Vibe is making... It was really sounding horrible today.I used my digital voice recorder with an external mic stuck in the glove box, which was open. So, this is what I'm hearing from inside the car. This was taken as I turned into a parking lot and drove around there for a bit at slow speeds. Close to the end, you can hear me click off the A/C switch and the noise stops.Tried with the mic under the hood, but too much noise from everything else that I haven't been able to hear *this* noise. From anyone that listens to the file, what's your best guess about what's broken on the Vibe?Taking it in Tuesday morning to get this looked at.

Attached files ac_noise.mp3 (117.4 KB)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:16 am

Hmmm...kinda hard to separate engine noise from cabin noise...and engine noise from compressor noise...but I don't hear anything in your clip that I don't hear in my own car...I could just have bad ears too!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:20 am

I'm hearing a lot more knocking/whatever (can't really describe the sound) than what used to be there... Really noticeable in the clip I attached when you get to around 19 seconds and gets really quiet once the A/C switch is turned off...I dunno, may be a problem, may not. Sure doesn't sound right to me though... Here's another clip....

Attached files ac_noise2.mp3 (40.7 KB)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:21 am

Do you have an exhaust on there? Is that that low end growling I hear?

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:25 am

Stock exhaust... The growling sound is kinda the problem I'm talking about.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:27 am

Ahhhhhh....ok.....That's odd...yeah, def doesn't sound right to me...I confirm weirdness!

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:28 am

Woo hoo! This thang's gettin' weird in its old age, uhh huh!Hopefully the guys at the shop can figure it out.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:31 am

my son says your car sounds like a helicopter.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:32 am

I know this is kind of a simplistic idealistic thought -- but could the compressor just be loose and bouncing around, and that could cause the rattling?Just a thought...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Oct 15, 2004 9:38 am

That could be... I really only hear the sound under certain conditions. Low speeds mainly, and often when turning at a low speed and stepping on the gas a little. If it is making the noise, I can throw it up in neutral, give 'er a little gas, and no noise.So, has to be something with putting a load on the compressor, or like what was mentioned earlier, some other component running off the serpentine belt.Joatmon, your son is funny. Better mechanic than I, that's for sure, I would have been a lot better off if I would have simply mentioned it sounds like a chopper, as opposed to that rattling/grinding/whateverkindofnoise. lol!

Train · Post by **Train** » Sat Oct 16, 2004 10:42 pm

i know exactly what you are talking about, and i understand how someone who has never heard it would have a hard time hearing it through that clip, but once you have heard it in person you can detect easy in the sound clip. and i too don't really know how to desribe it. i took it to the dealer they ran a "compressor check " what ever that is and they said it was fine. i think its is defiantly something in the clutch for the compressor, or with its belt. i know they hear it but they of course try to say oh its not that loud or that it is normal, and not to worry. i think i might ask them again one day soon, because once you report it before the warenty expires, they have to fix it after it does expire, if the same problem exsist, ( hold on to those slips they give you after each fix) if anyone had any ideas let me know

glassman · Post by **glassman** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 2:29 am

can you make it do it with the ac off and turn and accelarate try this doing a circle in both direction if it makes a noise let off the gas and see if it goes away

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:49 pm

Just got back from the dealer... Unfortunately, nothing to report other than the fact that my car sucks.... On the way to the shop today, the noise was very much present. One guy drove the car alone at first, then came back and got another tech... When they came back the second time, I asked them if they heard anything... Nope. So I asked if I could get one of them to jump in the car with me for a little spin.Not a peep out of the damn thing. I couldn't get it to make the noise, and I sure did try. I said to the guy "You guys probably think I'm smokin' crack, don't you?" lol! Luckily, they didn't charge me to look at the car... It wouldn't have been covered under my extended warranty since they found nothing, so they could have charged me some for some cheezy diagnostic fee... But they didn't, thankfully.Wouldn't you know, as soon as I left, it started making noise again. But instead of going back and talking to them about again, I just did what the masses would do - turned up the radio. Time to stop listening to the car... lol!Still have 50K of warranty left on this beast, so it has plenty of time to break... Plus the compressor won't be running that much here shortly, so maybe it will make it to the spring. I don't know...

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Fri Oct 22, 2004 12:43 am

Figures! Been there too. You could remove the serp belt and then start the engine. Do not do it for a long period but that would really tell you then if it was the compressor. Regardless, good you still have warr left.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 9:16 pm

The noise greeted me again this morning, louder than it has been. But hey, she didn't tick too much this morning! The compressor hasn't run much lately, but this morning was an exception. Had temps in the lower 50's and rain, so I had the defrost on. By the time I got home from work this morning, I was hearing it again.I think I may need to take this opportunity and run the thing down the the dealer today. They're going to see the car tomorrow, but my appointment is at 8:30, and the temperature will be in the lower 40's, pretty close to the point where the compressor won't run. I doubt it will act up tomorrow. I'll see, depends on if I can wake up in time to get it down there today. I hate working nights! *sigh*

justin-vh · Post by **justin-vh** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 4:37 am

Hey! Finally I've found someone who has the same issue as I have.It's a whirring noise that occurs when the defroster is on or if the AC is on. I also find it is loudest around 2000 rpms.I've taken my junker to the dealership several times, but the "techs" can't seem to hear it. I wonder if it is possible that their hearing isn't as good as mine.... They do work with loud machinery all day. Anyhoo, I'm very frustrated with it. This is one of many problem's I've had with my brand new devil Vibe. Please let me know if you manage to get it fixed..

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 6:26 pm

Quote, originally posted by justin-vh Â»Hey! Finally I've found someone who has the same issue as I have.Ugh... I'm sorry! Quote Â»It's a whirring noise that occurs when the defroster is on or if the AC is on. I also find it is loudest around 2000 rpms.Sounds just like what I'm hearing. Have you been able to hear the noise from outside the car? I can't seem to hear it outside the car, seeing how it is dependant on engine load and speed, I can't see that it would come from something on the inside... But it is definitely noticeable inside the car. When the car is throwing a fit, I don't usually have the option of letting someone else drive the car around a parking lot or something while I stand outside and listen. Quote Â»Anyhoo, I'm very frustrated with it. This is one of many problem's I've had with my brand new devil Vibe. Please let me know if you manage to get it fixed..I know what you mean! I wish I could own one of the Vibes like the majority here has and only have to visit the shop for oil changes. But alas, it was just not in the cards for me to have such a vehicle... I've owned much worse, but this thing is starting to get on my nerves nonetheless. What year is your Vibe, anyway? Definitely stay tuned, I may not have an answer soon now that it is getting cold, but I am determined on getting this resolved somehow... It may take a locked up compressor shredding the belt before I can ever get this thing fixed. lol!

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:15 am

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â» I wish I could own one of the Vibes like the majority here has and only have to visit the shop for oil changes. But alas, it was just not in the cards for me to have such a vehicle... I've owned much worse, but this thing is starting to get on my nerves nonetheless. Yeah, I really feel for you, mine has been so trouble free, and you seem to be having all kinds of problems. Maybe it's like a "Portrait of Dorian Gray" kind of thing, all of the evil is collected in yours to keep it out of the rest of ours.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Nov 27, 2004 10:20 am

Yep, sucks to be me... lolMethinks it's about time for a new car... If those alleged '05 2-tones ever show up, I may just consider that option.

justin-vh · Post by **justin-vh** » Sun Nov 28, 2004 3:40 am

Well I have a 2004 Vibe with approximately 7000K's on it, which I believe translates to 4500 miles or so. You're symptoms seem similar to mine. I don't think that I can hear it from the outside of the vehicle either. The noise is quite easy to reproduce for me, so some day I'm going to pop the hood and see if it is easier to hear. I'm convinced that the compressor is the issue, and when I describe it to a few mechanics I know, their first inclination is to suspect the compressor as well. Now if I could only get a GM rep to hear it! I've had such bad service; one rep told me that what I am probably hearing is resonance coming off of the exhaust system. Nice try... I'm taking the car on a 2500 mile trip in about 2 weeks. Perhaps the AC will wear down and die at this time. Maybe that would be enough empirical evidence for them....

Thewolf · Post by **Thewolf** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 3:35 am

We've had that same AC compressor noise.. it comes and goes. The dealer bozos can never hear it, but at least it documented in the service files 3 or 4 times now.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 8:45 pm

Not another one! You've definitely had it looked at more than I have... Something tells me that this is going to be next to impossible to figure out for the guys at the dealer.I'm wondering how many out there are having this problem? Turn off the radio everybody, and give it a good listen.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 1:04 am

As if it weren't obvious, I'll say that Lady Luck rarely visits me, but this morning after work she paid me a visit and was a real sweetie! The car was making plenty of noise - the conditions were just about right for it. It was close to 50 degrees this morning, rainy, so I had to use the defrost heavily. Got stuck in the usual stop-and-go traffic, and the noise was really starting to make me a bit angry. Every time I would take off, *grind grind grind vibrate rattle whatever* I wanted to just crank up the tunes, but decided against it. Since the noise hasn't been doing anything other than getting louder, coupled with the fact that it was annoying the heck out of me, I headed right for the dealer as soon as I dropped off the guy I carpool with.They were very accomodating, considering I just kinda showed up without letting them know. I greeted the service advisor with a big smile and said "Hey, look - your favorite Vibe is back!" (removed)! I took a mechanic for a ride, and for the first 1/2 mile, it wasn't making any noise. Same deal as last time, but I don't think I had driven the car far enough to make the noise magically appear. This time though, it worked.As I was accelerating when turning onto the highway, the noise started. Very nice. He had heard enough by the time we had driven maybe 2 miles, so I turned around and headed back to the shop. The noise was intermittent at that time, but still somewhat noticeable. But the highlight of our little trip, on the street running in front of the dealer, I kept the car at a steady 20 MPH and the revs around 1500. The noise was constant, just what I had been hoping for! Kicked off the A/C, it disappeared, switched it back on, and yep, started making a racket again after a few seconds. It kept doing its noisy thing for the remainder of the drive back, and even carried on at idle (that was rare.) Finally, it felt GREAT to prove to them that maybe I wasn't on crack, the noise was clearly obvious to the guy. I felt like a real moron last time when I couldn't get the stubborn ol' Vibe to act up in front of the tech!They had it in the shop for about an hour looking into it, the compressor is definitely the bad guy in this case... They also found the compressor was leaking refrigerant, and had to add a shot of R134A... Which in hindsight, I think I've been right all along when last summer I was suspecting some A/C issues since it was nowhere near as cold as it was the previous summer. They checked it out over the summer, but while everything appeared to be "within specs" I found it was a struggle to keep the cabin temps at a reasonable level. I'm wondering if the compressor has been dying a slow and painful death over a period of months and the condition was in its infancy when I had them look into the poor performance issue with the A/C months ago... Methinks it may not have been a big enough problem at the time for them to detect. I dunno, ain't no HVAC expert. The compressor is on order, hopefully will arrive tomorrow. And will be covered under extended warranty. One question for you guys though... Since they're going to tear into it, should I consider having them replace the serpentine belt as well? Previously I've done this every 30K or so on my cars, but I'm pushing 39K on this one at the moment. Should I even bother, since the belt still looks to be in pretty good shape, or go for it since they'll be messing around there anyway? Can't remember what the maintenance schedule states for the mileage to replace it, and too dang sleepy to look it up at the moment. I know it's probably way too early to change it, but you know me, Mr. Overmaintainer. EDIT: >> I did stay awake long enough to check the maint. schedule; replacement isn't on the list ANY time soon. Only mentions inspection, and that's at 60K!Hopefully the outcome of my issue could help some of you guys out who are having the same thing going on with your cars. My best advice: Find the right conditions which make the noise the worst, and play around until you find exactly what kind of driving you'll need to do to demonstrate the problem, and you insist to drive. And cycling the A/C off countless times like I did this morning to show the tech that it is really the issue helped me a bit too. If my refrigerant leak at the compressor was tied into the noise issue (could have been) I would highly recommend trying to convince them to look for signs of that as well. Best of luck to you folks who have this issue! Heck, best of luck to me too, since, uh, the car hasn't been fixed yet. But I've got a good feeling this will take care of it. And of course, I'll write back tomorrow or whenever I get the thing replaced and let you know what's on the ticket.P.S. Most sincere apologies for the friggin' novel I just wrote.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 4:37 am

Yahoooo! CP!! Way better to have the comp replaced BEFORE it blows because if it did and a tech just heppened to not flush the AC lines guess what? All the metal particles from the first comp blow up can get stuck in the lines and then ruin the new comp. I would do the belt IMO, 39K is getting up there for them. You would be charged for it though probably. Sure people go 50K on them but they do get glazed, stretched and can start slipping at that point.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 1:47 pm

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy Â»Yahoooo! CP!! I couldn't agree with you more! Quote Â»Way better to have the comp replaced BEFORE it blows because if it did and a tech just heppened to not flush the AC lines guess what? All the metal particles from the first comp blow up can get stuck in the lines and then ruin the new comp. Good point... I'm glad I didn't have to resort to having shrapnel scattered about before I could get this thing fixed. Quote Â»I would do the belt IMO, 39K is getting up there for them. You would be charged for it though probably. Sure people go 50K on them but they do get glazed, stretched and can start slipping at that point. Sounds like a plan to me, I'll give 'em a buzz first thing in the morning to see if they have one in stock. Would kinda suck to lose the belt, so I'm a bit cautious when it comes to it... Back in the day when you had separate belts for everything, it wouldn't have been that big of a deal. Lose a serpentine, and "she's dead, Jim." Not sure what they'll charge to do it, last time I had it done (was at a different dealer) it was around $50, I think. That car needed an alternator at the time, so I had them go ahead and replace the belt while they were at it. Good deal, now I just have to wait for the morning!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 1:51 pm

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy Â»I would do the belt IMO, 39K is getting up there for them. You would be charged for it though probably. Sure people go 50K on them but they do get glazed, stretched and can start slipping at that point. LOL!I'm about to hit 46000 and still haven't had that replaced...*adds it to long-(removed) to-do list for Vibe...*

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:23 am

50K?!? I went 105K km on mine in the VW and at that point the mechanic said that it wasn't, obviously, brand new but it could go another 10 or 15k km!I may have been pushing it but they aren't that fragile!EDIT: just realized you guys are talking miles....so 105k km is about 70k milles...still decent though!

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 2:40 am

No they are technically not fragile but like I said they stretch and get glazed over time and still can break like old V belts. I have heard vehicles that when the person hits the gas the crank pulley just spins on the belt and makes a hell of a lot of noise, accessory drive accessories do not function properly as well. Usually they squeak badly first to let you know they need changing. They are a maintenance item not a marathon item. Just MO and wrenching background, I always over maintain my vehicles and they never leave me stranded.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 7:29 pm

Rather interesting, I don't see replacing the belt recommended anywhere in the maintenance schedule! Basically, it says to "inspect" at 60,000, 75,000, 90,000 miles... Seems a bit odd to me.They couldn't get me in the shop on Friday, had too much going on. Scheduled the appointment for bright and early Tuesday morning after I get off work. Going to have them replace the belt as well.Trying to think if there is anything else I should have them do while it's there... Nah, never mind, I'll probably be back in a couple of weeks anyway.

glassman · Post by **glassman** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:23 am

i think i found your growling sound mine was doing it to not consistantly but off and on i took it in and the teck said oh i have seen this before he said the corollas were famous for it the bearing in the heater fan goes and it growls when on low sound like a knock or repeated thunking they changed the heater motor and so far 1 week and no noise what he said maid sense because if you turned the fan up it would go away i thought the fan just masked it so you could.t here it

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 8:00 am

I've had a blower motor do that to me in the past as well... And with the last car, it started making one heck of a loud noise... Kinda like sticking a piece of paper in a fan. Took the blower motor out and found a leaf inside there! Somehow it made its way under the cowl and into the dash...Ahh, tomorrow she goes back in the shop. And not a moment too soon, the temperature is going to be 17 here tonight.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:05 am

Got the new compressor installed today. Does it work? Can't say, the temperature was 24 when I left the dealer. No good news on the serpentine belt... I knew I should have called them to make sure they had the belt in stock, but I never got around to doing it. Come to find out, none of their three dealers had any in stock in the parts dept, and they even called local parts stores - nada. 'Yota parts are hard to come by in my neck of the woods... They had to order the belt, I'll go back in a few days to have them put it on. They said the belt is generally around $40 and labor is $19.95. A bit spendy, but last time I bought a belt, it was $30-something bucks, then having to deal with getting it put on - worth it to me to not have the hassles of dealing with it.Here's what the paperwork shows (in condensed form:)Quote Â»Customer states there is a grinding/vibrating type noise on takeoff when A/C is onCause: Compressor making noiseD4440 COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY REPLACE88972202 W-COMPRESSOR12345922 R134FREONDIAGNOSED A/C SYSTEM. REPLACED A/C COMPRESSOR. RECOVERED AND RECHARGED. INSTALLED SCREW ON SUCTION LINE.I looked up the part number on GMPartsDirect and found the compressor was a whopping $567! Their price, still steep, was $283. Thank you extended warranty - only a few more visits like this and it will have paid for itself.

04BlkVibe · Post by **04BlkVibe** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:03 am

Mine is making the same noise (sounds like a piece of paper is hitting the fan). Brought it into the dealership twice, and both times..didn't make a noise when it's there. When I left the dealership, sure enough, the noise came back!!! Grr..and it's definately something to do w/ the Defrost setting.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 11:25 pm

I am hoping this concludes my saga, for this issue at least. Had the dealer replace the serpentine belt this morning. $70 later, here I am... $19.95 for labor, $45.95 for the belt, plus tax and whatever else.I requested to keep the old belt, just in case I had problems in the future and needed it... That may come in handy some day, since nobody around here seems to carry the belt - so if it ever crapped out, I'd be stuck for a while unless I went to Toyota, I suppose...It was warm enough to run the compressor the last couple of days, and nothing abnormal to report. I think I'm good to go now!

RoundUp · Post by **RoundUp** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 2:53 pm

I've been getting a gurgling, fluttering noise too. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 3:39 pm

Is that noise heard from around the right side of the dash, almost sounding like it is from behind the glove box? I still haven't figured that gurgling noise out.. I didn't hear it the other day, but it wasn't that damp outside... Usually is more noticeable when the A/C has to pull more moisture out of the air. When I had the guy in the car with me for the first time to try to point out the A/C compressor grinding noise, he mentioned that gurgling coming from the dash was "normal."

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 12:50 am

I get that noise too, all my cars have done it, AFAIK is normal...

RoundUp · Post by **RoundUp** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 1:02 pm

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic Â»When I had the guy in the car with me for the first time to try to point out the A/C compressor grinding noise, he mentioned that gurgling coming from the dash was "normal." Hmm...that's strange. I never heard it until 04BlkVibe mentioned it to me the other week. I definitely don't have a grinding noise though. It was just a fluttering gurgle. I'm worried because I have only 8000 kms left on my warranty and we are into -20Ã‚Â° C weather right now.Raging, did the gurgling in all those other vehicles that you drove start over time? Or was it something that happened when the vehicles were new?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 1:06 pm

Quote, originally posted by RoundUp Â»Raging, did the gurgling in all those other vehicles that you drove start over time? Or was it something that happened when the vehicles were new?Well, only 2 of my 4 cars have been new...but yes, my sunfire did it even from the day i brought it home...always assumed it was engine fluids cooling off or the ac condeser or something...never thought anything to be problematic...

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Sun Dec 19, 2004 3:41 pm

I've heard it too in the other cars... Just seems a bit louder in the Vibe. Probably has something to do with the location of the various A/C components in the dash, I would imagine... I think I just recently noticed it because I had my super-sonic hearing turned on to try to figure out the grinding. Probably has been there all the time. Really it can only be heard when the fan is at 1 or 2, and it is masked by the fan at higher speeds.

04BlkVibe · Post by **04BlkVibe** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 4:52 am

Alright. Took my car into the dealer yesterday and went for a drive w/ the Service Manager. He said that that noise is normal and is from the A/C Compressor. However, he said that other GM cars has it too. Can anyone find out if this A/C compressor is the same as the Matrix, or is it a unique component for GM cars? I did a search in Matrix Owners Forum and couldn't find anything regarding this rattle. If that's the case...sounds like the fix is to get a Matrix A/C compressor. No?

nonstop · Post by **nonstop** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:20 am

I just got my car into the dealer for a fan noise complaint. I've noticed a slight click/gear noise as I accelerate mildy from a stop. Noise comes from the front passenger side and disappears before second gear. Fan controls must have the air compressor running (in my case defrost). Happens with any fan speed. Service advisor heard it. Intermittent for sure. Dealer ordered a TXV valve part 52845. Advisor says mine is the second car they've seen. Says they tore the first one apart and changed everything to figure it out. Waiting for the part .....

RoundUp · Post by **RoundUp** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:35 am

It's highly unlikely that they would use different A/C compressors for Matrixes and Vibes, especially since they use the same engines. Perhaps the base and GT Vibes have different compressors since they have different engines, but I would expect a base Vibe would share the exact same compressor as a base Matrix. Next time I look under my hood, I will look to see if the A/C compressor says Toyota.

ToolGuy · Post by **ToolGuy** » Tue Jan 11, 2005 10:05 pm

Beside looking for Toyota look for Denso or some other name like that, I doubt it will say Toyota. Most likely it will have the supplier company name on it.

04BlkVibe · Post by **04BlkVibe** » Wed Jan 12, 2005 9:06 am

Roundup: help me fix this. This will be a nightmare when Summer comes and we need our A/C on. It's definately from the A/C Compressor because when I turn the A/C on and have the setting set to everything (i.e. Front, Front and Feet, Feet , etc), I can still hear the gurgling sound. And it's definately getting a lot worst!!!