Hi genvibe community. I have been using this forum for years now but it's the first time I write a post. I used to find all information I needed from the current posts, but for my current problem, my researches so far haven't been successful, so I decided it was time for me to create a new post. Actually, I found this very long topic https://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=10269 that could be useful, but its last reply is from 2006, so I decided to start this new one.
I'm the owner of a 2005 Pontiac Vibe base model. Here is my problem. For a few years now, I have been hearing what I would describe as a humming noise coming from the ventilation when either the A/C is on during summer or when it's below 5 degrees Celsius outside (fall and winter) and the heater is working. The noise is mostly hearable when the car is on idle, but remain then when the car is moving, although the road noise is masking it at a certain speed. Even in the conditions mentioned, the noise is not there 100% of the time, but I would say most of the time. During summer, if I turn the A/C off but keep the fan, the noise stops. During winter, to stop the noise, I need to turn the fan off.
This video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrGuT_rjf68 gives a good idea of the sound I'm hearing from inside the car through the ventilation. I kind of humming that seems to be a bit related to the engine RPM.
Here is what I did to try to target or resolve the problem :
- I disassembled the blower behind the glove box, and it wasn't damaged or dirty at all and nothing changed when I reassembled it.
- I replaced the water pump (that was anyway leaking) and it hasn't solved anything either.
Reading from multiple posts and looking at multiple YouTube videos, it now seems that the problem might be related to the AC compressor. However, this would not explain why I'm hearing it when it's below 5 degree Celsius, since only the heater is working at this temperature. And the noise actually appeared during winter before I heard it more recently with the A/C. But lets' assume it's the A/C compressor, I'm then wondering if I can resolve the problem just by replacing the compressor clutch or if I'll need to have the compressor replaced.
In the long topic I linked above, the guys had to replace the A/C compressor twice ad then even that the noise cam back again after 6 months, so I'm a bit afraid to invest in a new compressor considering the car is old. Plus, I can't hear its noise, so I can't be sure it's the same. I have to mention that the A/C is still working, but I think it's a bit less cold that it used to be. But it just takes a bit longer to cool the car when it's very hot, and it's not a problem to me. What's bugging me is the noise.
If one of you have any experience with this kind of problem, please feel free to share your knowledge! Thank you very much in advance!