A/C Noise - Normal?

[NewNeptune]

I had the radio off the other day and I've noticed a hissing sound when the A/C is on. Is this a normal noise? I only hear it around town, speeds between 20-60 MPH.

[new05vibeowner]

MIne does the same thing. After 39K miles, I've just gotten used to it.

[djb383]

Perfectly normal. Not many cars built quiet enough to here freon circulating thru the system.

[NewNeptune]

Thanks! It is much more audible than other cars I've had, so I had to check.

[ColonelPanic]

Mine made that noise too, bugged the heck out of me. Always sounded like there was a waterfall inside my dashboard. I'm so glad my new car doesn't do it!Just be lucky your compressor doesn't make noises too, I never could get that fixed. Turn your radio up, that's what your dealer will tell you.

[abby]

I'm a new vibe owner (Base model/Abyss) as of Aug 31/06!! But I've already made a trip to the shop on it's one week anniversary due to a window leak. It turns out the driver's door was misaligned. I also took it in for the a/c noise which I hear when it's on defrost as well (with the a/c off). I am taking it in again tomorrow to get the shop to hear the noise. I find it hard to believe that this noise is 'ok'. I would denfinitely describe it as a small waterfall in my car. Has anyone else heard this noise? I really want it gone!

[abby]

Well, my brand new (not even 2 week old) car went into the dealer today. Apparently this noise is normal!!! If enough cars get reported with this problem GM might fix it. So tonight I think I will ask my salesman if I can sit in another car so I can hear this normal noise. I'm really not satisfied. This is my first new car, ever! I had an old jalopy to drive around before and was ecstatic to buy new.Can anyone cheer me up?

[abby]

Well, I guess nobody wanted to reply to this post....

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by abby »Can anyone cheer me up? Heh, I don't think I can! My Vibe's A/C setup pretty much sucked... I was annoyed by the same noises that you're hearing coming from your dash. Then, the heater barely worked in the winter, the A/C really couldn't keep things cool in the summer, the compressor would start making noise and have to be replaced (it was in need of its 4th compressor when I got rid of the car.) It's so nice to have a car that has a functional heater and air conditioner. So if all you have is the annoying crap coming from the dash, you're pretty lucky.

[jasonvibe]

We bought it last fall. Mine become noticable this spring. The issue is basically the on off cycle of the compressor makes the freon movement something you can hear around town. Once the revs are above 2300 you hardly ever hear it. I have had 8 cars w/AC. The average mileage on my cars before they left me was 80+k. So you know I have been around. This is the first to do this on the road. My Others have done it just when you turn the AC on. But it is not a "problem". Just a disappointment.

[KrazyB]

The main reason I think that you are hearing a hissing noise when the defrost is on is because if is 40 degrees or over the A/C will be on automatically it is a factory setting but when it is under 40 degrees you should not here the sound because the A/C should be off. Hope this helps and by the way give your new vibe a chance you love it.