Chirp when a/c compressor cycles on?

[junehhan]

Hey guys, I had my car at the dealer Friday to have a rubber moulding replaced that had split open, which ended somehow in them having to replace the window while they were at it. After I just picked up the car from the dealership today, the car started making chirping noises whenever the compressor cycles on and off, with it being much worse at higher rpms. If you put a decent load on the engine when the compressor cycles on, it definately makes a short screech type noise indicating something is slipping. I've also noticed that the car seems to take a much bigger power hit when the compressor comes on now. Until today when I picked up the car, you couldn't hardly tell the compressor was cycling on or off, but now you feel like something hit you when it cycles on. Any idea's on what might be happening here? I find it very ironic how this started up right after I picked my car up from the dealership............

[merc406]

Check belt, and or tension.

[junehhan]

Check belt, and or tension.


I've checked the belt, and it appears to be nice and tight. Something I also noticed, is that the a/c isn't getting as cold as it normally get's.............

[BillyGman]

Check belt, and or tension.

I agree, however, as far as the belt tension goes, I don't believe there is anyway to adjust the tensioner. As far as I know, the belt tensioner is either good or it isn't. Maybe the belt is wet (have you spilled oil or something else on it?), or perhaps worn if you have a lot of miles on your car.

[junehhan]

I agree, however, as far as the belt tension goes, I don't believe there is anyway to adjust the tensioner. As far as I know, the belt tensioner is either good or it isn't. Maybe the belt is wet (have you spilled oil or something else on it?), or perhaps worn if you have a lot of miles on your car.

The car started doing it right after I picked it up from the dealership earlier today, and I personally havn't spilled anything as I havn't done anything under the hood except add a little extra coolent a couple months ago. My Marauder only has 8900 miles or so on it, so I hope the belt tensioner isn't worn............

It's much worse at higher rpms though, and if the engine is under load.

[BillyGman]

I've checked the belt, and it appears to be nice and tight. Something I also noticed, is that the a/c isn't getting as cold as it normally get's.............

that sounds to me like the A/C system has been exposed to air, and it needs to be evacuated. But that only happens if someone opened up the system by removing an A/C hose. I had a Caddy which had a hose loosebed and re-tightened w/out the system being evacuated or "purged" and withing two days the compressor just locked up due to the piston seizing and it fried the A/C belt, as well as the compressor. Is the window/weatherstipping the only thing they did to it??? I'd call them to ask what else was done to the car if I were you. there might be something that was done that they didn't tell you. I don't know why the window would've had to be replaced.

[Smokie]

You have a bad compressor, have it replaced before it takes a dump and it spreads metal shavings all over your sealed system, if that happens you will never get all the crap out and you will have problem with poa/expansion valves and any screens in the system.

[merc406]

You have a bad compressor, have it replaced before it takes a dump and it spreads metal shavings all over your sealed system, if that happens you will never get all the crap out and you will have problem with poa/expansion valves and any screens in the system.


The dreaded "Black Death", of a/c systems.

[junehhan]

The dreaded "Black Death", of a/c systems.

Thanks for your advice guys! While you guys are making me depressed(it's also been raining all day), I did call the dealership up and set up an appointment for Monday morning. I asked the dealership if they did anything else, but they told me that they didn't. The moulding they replaced is the one on the front part of the driver side rear window that had cracked. They had to replace the glass as well as a result, although it never occurred to ask why they needed to. They also spent a bit of time with the Ford hotline again which they said was of no use because Ford had no updates regarding the tapping noise from the engine.

Can you guys elaborate on this "black death" of a/c systems? It sounds kinda scary.............

The chirp definately sounds like a belt, so what is the a/c system doing that causes the belt to chirp?

[RoyLPita]

I had that same happen on my '95 GTS. I replaced the belt and everything was A-OK. It couldn't hurt to have it checked out.

[merc406]

Can you guys elaborate on this "black death" of a/c systems? It sounds kinda scary............. :eek: It's what Smokie discribed, it is a self destruct mode. :shot:

The chirp definately sounds like a belt, so what is the a/c system doing that causes the belt to chirp?

Just make sure they check more than the belt. :up:

[Smokie]

Thanks for your advice guys! While you guys are making me depressed
Can you guys elaborate on this "black death" of a/c systems? It sounds kinda scary.............

The chirp definately sounds like a belt, so what is the a/c system doing that causes the belt to chirp?
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so negative, yes I supposed maybe the problem could be belt related or tensioner problem. Ok lets hope for the best, change the belt, check tensioner.

Let me explain about the belt sound: another possibility is that your compressor is locking up, you mentioned yourself your engine seem to be bogged down a bit when compressor engaged, that is not a sign of a belt slipping, more like compressor locking up. The reason I am concerned is because if your compressor is locking up a bit, eventually it will do a total lockup spewing metal debris throughout your sealed system, after that (I hope I am mistaken about this) even if your compressor is replaced with a new one, you would have all this metal shavings circulating in your sealed system and they will cause problem with your new parts, causing reoccurring problems.

I hope I am totally wrong and it's just a belt.

[junehhan]

Thanks for the tip, I hope for the best as well. It does appear to be bogging down more than normal. Right now, i'm driving my father's 00 Crown Vic(my former car) since he wants me to investigate a pulsating brake pedal(warped rotors), and I hardly feel anything when the compressor is cycling on and off on this car. I also appears to be blowing colder air as well..............

Oh well, i'll find out something on Monday, but i'm honestly not very confident in my dealer's abilities to find problems. They seem to be more or less interested in doing the bare minimum possible, although I hope they prove me wrong.

[Smokie]

For what it may be worth, try talking directly with the A/C tech and emphasize the bogging down of the engine when compressor kicks in, any tech worth a damn, at that moment would know is not a slipping belt; a slipping belt does not rob the engine of power, quite the contrary a slipping belt on A/C clutch frees up power.

Take charge of the situation and deal directly with A/C tech, if he says bad compressor, it will be replaced. Best of luck.

[junehhan]

Well, I took it to the dealership this morning, and even test drove with an a/c tech there. What I was told has proven that my worst fears are true. After showing them the noise while accelerating and driving on the highway, this is what they told me. The tech told me that right now, there is no cause for concern and that i'd be okay. He said that although this is not normal, there is nothing he can do at this time and suggested that I come back to check it again at my next maintenance appointment. He said that this is something it shouldn't be doing, but he couldn't justify doing any work on it for the time being. I find it funny how he assumes that I let the dealership do maintenance on my car. I don't think i'm going to spend any more money at that dealership than I have to if they don't have any interest in doing any more than the bare minimum.

[BillyGman]

I hate to tell you this, but what he said to you sounded like a BIG hint to me, but don't ever expect him to admit that to you even if you were to ask him point blank. What he's saying to you is if you prove to be a regular customer, (meaning not only someone who bought a new Mercury, but someone who comes back atleast twice per year for "routine maintainence") then they will go the extra mile and take care of what they consider minor complaints.

Unfortunately, that is dealers' bottom line. It isn't enough for the service department that you've spent 30K on a brand new car. They want to see you back there atleast twice per year spending money for maintainence on your new vehicle, which will include costs that aren't covered in your warantee such as miscelaneous labor costs, and filters, oil, air filters, PCV valves, transmission fluid flushes, etc., etc....... Sure, the 30K you've spent on a new Mercury makes the sales department happy, but it does nothing for the service department as far as the service manager is concerned. And if the service manager views things that way(and almost ALL of them do) then everyone under him is well aware of that, and they follow suit since they know that they would be "fighting city hall" to try and go against that.

So you have to read between the lines of what the tech guy said to you. If you want him to stick his neck out, and go to bat for you (which is what would have to happen for them to remedy this problem) then you're going to have to make his battle with "city hall" on your behalf a little easier by giving him a loyal service record that he can show the assistant service manager and say.... "Look at this guy, he's a regular routine MAINTAINENCE customer. He brings his car in often to us here for maintaince, so let's take care of his minor complaints, and fix this problem he's brought up to us. We wouldn't want to lose his business"......

Unfortunately, it's all politics. It shouldn't have to be. Especially after you've spent 30K on your new car, but it still is. Remember, so far, you've made the sales department happy, but not neccessarily the service department. I was willing to play ball w/the service dept. too, which was the primary reason that I chose to have the dealer perform the Stallion torque converter installation. I was gonna do it myself, but I figured if I threw some $$ at the service dept once in awhile, they would be on my side, and go the extra mile for me when it came to warantee issues. And that's also what the mechanic told me that I should do.

But when I saw how they worked on my car, and the little, but irresponsible mistakes that their mechanics made here and there(and I'm not speaking of one isolated incident either), then I was turned off to anyone at a dealer ever touching my car. And that coupled w/the fact that I decided to install a Supercharger, kinda changed my game plan as far as the dealer goes.

But let me tell you, remembering my experiences w/the dealer's service department, made it a whole lot easier for me NOT to care about installing a Supercharger, and NOT to be very concerned about voiding my warantee because of it.

So my advice to you is, you might want to try and bring up this problem to another dealer, but if they will not work w/you either, then play ball w/them, and bring your car back to them (meaning the one you just went to) in three months for "routine maintaince" to throw some money at them for an incentive, and bring up the problem to them again while you're dropping your car off for other things to be performed to it(the "routine maintainence" things). Perhaps talk to the service manager if you didn't this time around. Or talk to him again if you already have. And start off the conversation by pointing out that you're bringing your car there "again" for some routine service to be performed. When they see that you're a regular, then they will cater to you a bit. And if you're going to rely on the dealer, and your warantee, then that's what you need them to do. You simply have to play their game unfortunately.

[merc406]

All you can hope for now is that it dumps under warranty, I'd leave the a/c on full time to make sure that it does! :censor: er's !!

[BillyGman]

That's a good idea. So would I.

[MERCMAN]

I find it abominable that treatment like that is tolerated by the dealership. I don't understand why they just don't fix the damn thing, it is under warranty and the wrenches are paid by L/M to take care of it under warranty. My dealership loves warranty work, in fact my S/M says Henry(Ford) has more money than you, let him pay for it. Of course, my dealership is in a small town, I am a repeat customer, and I have my routine maintainance done there. Just my .02

[MENINBLK]

My 2004 MM has 6500 miles on it and the AC Compressor is getting rather LOUD when the clutch is energized.
It is making a VERY LOUD 'CLICK' when the clutch is energized.
It has been getting louder and louder over time.
It used to sound like a soft tick, when I first got it.
I have had several AC Compressor problems with my 1998 Contour and the compressor was replaced 3 times while I owned the vehicle.
My next service isn't due until 9000 miles, but my wife's Focus will be in there soon.
When I take her Focus in, I'll ask about the AC Clutch on the MM.

[merc406]

I find it abominable that treatment like that is tolerated by the dealership. I don't understand why they just don't fix the damn thing, it is under warranty and the wrenches are paid by L/M to take care of it under warranty. My dealership loves warranty work, in fact my S/M says Henry(Ford) has more money than you, let him pay for it. Of course, my dealership is in a small town, I am a repeat customer, and I have my routine maintainance done there. Just my .02


Ya but the people of Indiana are just plain NICE. :rock:

Michigan, isn't to bad either. :rasta:

[BillyGman]

Ya but the people of Indiana are just plain NICE. :rock:

Michigan, isn't to bad either. :rasta:

I can't say that about everyone in Connecticut. ....especially not those who work in the majority of the dealers around here. :shake:

[junehhan]

I understand what you are saying, but as a general rule, I will not throw money towards a department that doesn't care about my needs. I've got a great local SVT Ford dealer right by my house, and i'll see if they can do warranty work on Mercury products. Our family combined has bought a few cars from them, and I have bought a lot of parts from them as well, although I havn't let them do any service on my cars. I believe my parents had them do a transmission rebuild on their Taurus a while ago as well. My tires are due to get balanced since they have started shaking at highway speeds, so maybe i'll throw them some maintenance stuff and then approach them about this chirping when the compressor cycles on. If that service tech was hinting that to me, then i'm sure as hell not going to spend any money there. They have to prove to me first that they are trustworthy and willing to help satisfy me first.

[BillyGman]

I understand your frustration. I don't blame you for wanting to try another dealer. I think that you should. Just keep in mind what I said, since you might run into the same thing at other dealers. I have. But ofcourse you won't know unless you try. The mechanic who worked on my maraudern didn't even hint around about it, he came right out and told me what I've previously stated about dealers in this thread. :shake:

[junehhan]

I understand your frustration. I don't blame you for wanting to try another dealer. I think that you should. Just keep in mind what I said, since you might run into the same thing at other dealers. I have. But ofcourse you won't know unless you try. The mechanic who worked on my maraudern didn't even hint around about it, he came right out and told me what I've previously stated about dealers in this thread. :shake:

It is scummy how these dealers operate, but what can we do? They are privately owned, so our choices are limited. I could file a complaint against them with Ford, but that would not be a good idea since I may need them again in the future which would suck if they started holding a grudge against me. Had I known this was how their service department operated, I would have bought my Marauder from another Mercury dealer. What i'm thinking about doing, is buying some of that stuff from Autozone that gives a slippery belt more grip to keep it from slipping and see if that makes a difference. If the chirping goes away, then it's going to be belt or belt tensioner related. If it still exists, then it probably has something to do with the a/c clutch or compressor itself. Sound like a sound plan?

[BillyGman]

sounds like a good idea, but I would try another dealer if i were you. I wouldn't take it for granted just yet that things would definately pan out the same way for you at another dealer. Yes, there is a good chance that they will, but you just won't know for certain until you give it a shot. I'm sure it isn't something that you look forward to having to twist their arm. After all, you really shouldn't have to twist their arm at all. But before you go making an effort to cover up the problem, I DO think that you should give it one more try somewhere else. There isn't any reason for you to neccessarily have any loyalty to the dealer where you've purchased the car. When it comes to the service department, they're an entirely different entity. urthermore I really don't think it matters a whole lot to them weather or not you've purchased the car from their dealer or not.

[junehhan]

Thanks, as I may try this SVT Ford dealer then. They have an excellent service department, and they really went out of their way to help me on some of the problems I had on my old Cobra. What i'll definately do, is throw some money their way first. Their parts department knows me since i'm always buying stuff, but i'll throw some money into the service department. I know the power windows just failed on my mother's Ford ZX2, and she's been bugging me for a while to take her car somewhere and get it fixed so she can use the window(she's afraid of dealing with repair places). I'm just way too busy, but maybe i'll have them fix this............

[BillyGman]

Yeah, that sounds like a real good plan. You might kill two birds w/one stone that way. Infact, I think that you should avoid even mentioning your mother's name, and simply give them your name when you bring her car there. Unless they come right out and ask you about her, there's no reason to mention her name. Right? And that way, you'll have YOUR name on their service record as proof of giving them business, and that's what you want. I think that the majority of dealers' service departments will have a hard line approach to anyone who brings their car in for the first time, IF their first visit is a warantee issue. Unless ofcourse the person in question just purchased their vehicle a couple days ago, or the week before. That would be entirely different.

[junehhan]

The good thing about this dealership, is that they care about the quality of the work they do. I remember a buddy of mine had lots of warrentee trouble with his old Contour back when he bought it the last year it was made. He bought the car at another dealership, but this one took care of every warranty concern he had without question. I just hope they won't be offended when I eventually ask them if they can do some warranty work on a Mercury. This is probably the dealership that I would rate as being the most honest dealership in the Cincinnati area because even their sales department works ethically and honestly.

*sigh*

On the plus side, at least the weather has been so nice lately, i've been running around with my windows down with no need to use the climate control.............

[Marauderjack]

junehhan.....

A simple test that may correct your problem!! :confused:

They use shims to set the magnetic clutch gap on the compressor....it should only be a few thousandths......My 2000 CV was about .050" and was not only noisey...it would actually shut down at highway speeds!!! :cool:

There is a small bolt in the center of the clutch that holds the clutch plate...remove it and the plate....take out a shim or two and re-install!!! It takes about 5 minutes and may fix you right up!!?? :beer:

Could be that it was set up wrong at the factory?? :banned:

Marauderjack :D

[junehhan]

junehhan.....

A simple test that may correct your problem!! :confused:

They use shims to set the magnetic clutch gap on the compressor....it should only be a few thousandths......My 2000 CV was about .050" and was not only noisey...it would actually shut down at highway speeds!!! :cool:

There is a small bolt in the center of the clutch that holds the clutch plate...remove it and the plate....take out a shim or two and re-install!!! It takes about 5 minutes and may fix you right up!!?? :beer:

Could be that it was set up wrong at the factory?? :banned:

Marauderjack :D


Jack, I saw the clutch under the hood by letting the a/c run while I looked under the hood at this thing that would start spinning, then stop spinning. I think this is best left to someone else as I wouldn't feel comfortable doing this myself. I can do simple things, but i'm honestly not the most mechanically inclined. Ever since I accidently drilled through the main wiring harness on my old Taurus while installing a bypass filtration system, I have just been scared to mess with anything that looks complex under the hood.

[Bluerauder]

My 2004 MM has 6500 miles on it and the AC Compressor is getting rather LOUD when the clutch is energized.
It is making a VERY LOUD 'CLICK' when the clutch is energized.
It has been getting louder and louder over time.
It used to sound like a soft tick, when I first got it.
I have had several AC Compressor problems with my 1998 Contour and the compressor was replaced 3 times while I owned the vehicle.
My next service isn't due until 9000 miles, but my wife's Focus will be in there soon.
When I take her Focus in, I'll ask about the AC Clutch on the MM.
I am also hearing a noticeable clicking noise that seems to be associated with the A/C cycling every couple seconds while idling in the driveway. Yesterday and today, the cooling has been very slow and the vent air temp is only cool but not cold even at 60 degree setting. The system really has not had a good shakeout because the temperature has been pretty mild around here. Is this "Black Death of A/C" a common occurrence at the 8K-9K mark??(my '03 has 8,600 miles). Is the a first symptoms of a A/C Compressor problem or a refrigerant leak??

[merc406]

I am also hearing a noticeable clicking noise that seems to be associated with the A/C cycling every couple seconds while idling in the driveway. Yesterday and today, the cooling has been very slow and the vent air temp is only cool but not cold even at 60 degree setting. The system really has not had a good shakeout because the temperature has been pretty mild around here. Is this "Black Death of A/C" a common occurrence at the 8K-9K mark??(my '03 has 8,600 miles). Is the a first symptoms of a A/C Compressor problem or a refrigerant leak??




Black death is the residue left over when the pump takea a dump. Your's sounds like a low on refridgerent condition possibly due to a leak. Take it in.

[drobin]

Back in June of 03, I purchased a product from my dealer called "ICE" and added it to my refrigeration system which gives extra protection again wear, internal compressor noise, and provides additonal cooling properties. I can't even hear the compressor run much less cycle on and off. List price was $49.95 and my cost was $39.00 for a mear 6 ounce can, but it has been well worth every penny.

Have dealer check refrigeration pressures etc., but the compressor should not be making any noise unless it's defective. Air oulet temperator on Max should not be less than 45 degrees for this time of the year.

If your engine is bogging down, your compressor is severely overcharged or compressor/clutch bearing is seizing up.

Something is not right.....

Donald
"drobin"

[junehhan]

Unfortunately in my case, it's gonna have to blow up before my dealer will do anything about it. The tech admitted that it's not normal, but blatantly said that he can't do anything about it, and even hinted that I should spend some money in their service department! Oh well, like I said, i'm going to spend my money at a service department that cares a bit more about me, and then i'll see if they'll take a look at my car afterwards.............

[junehhan]

Well, I talked with the loca SVT Ford dealer right next to me, and they told me that they would be happy to do warranty work on my Marauder. I talked with them for a few minutes, and they said they would glady take a look at the chirping issue, as well as my engine tapping noise as well. Well, since they have agreed to do warranty work on my car, I guess i'll never visit those guys and spend any more money at the Mercury dealership. What's funny is that their motto is, "...........the dealership where caring really does ring true." Yeah, I can see they care about their customers very much :rolleyes:

The local SVT Ford dealership is John Nolan Ford on Highland Ave, and they really do care about their customers instead of just paying lip service to you.

[jgc61sr2002]

Well, I talked with the loca SVT Ford dealer right next to me, and they told me that they would be happy to do warranty work on my Marauder. I talked with them for a few minutes, and they said they would glady take a look at the chirping issue, as well as my engine tapping noise as well. Well, since they have agreed to do warranty work on my car, I guess i'll never visit those guys and spend any more money at the Mercury dealership. What's funny is that their motto is, "...........the dealership where caring really does ring true." Yeah, I can see they care about their customers very much :rolleyes:

The local SVT Ford dealership is John Nolan Ford on Highland Ave, and they really do care about their customers instead of just paying lip service to you.

If all dealers were like that, we would have no problems. :up: :up: :up:

[junehhan]

If all dealers were like that, we would have no problems. :up: :up: :up:

Yeah, that's why I have trouble having to spend money at a dealership that doesn't care about you as a customer to get them to do things they are supposed to be doing in the first place. It's sad when the fact you bought a car from them isn't enough anymore these days. Needless to say, i'm happier spending my money at dealerships that really do care no matter what. :beer:

It so happens that John Nolan Ford is one of the last privately family owned dealerships still remaining around, which may be why they are still committed to providing good honest service. John Nolan the senior has retired, but Robert Nolan now runs the shots, while his son Michael Nolan sells cars and is the director or marketing there. All of the other dealerships around town seem to be part of a mega big automotive group these days............

[junehhan]

Well, before I decided to give up at my selling dealership, I decided to give them one last try which shocked the crap out of me. The chirping was getting worse when the compressor was cycling on, so I made another appointment with them. It was just my luck, that it had stopped chirping just as I pulled into the dealership, but they spent 3 hours anyway to see if they could find what the problem was. They also spent a lot of time with the Ford hotline to see if Ford could give them any advice as well. The bottom line, is that this problem has now been fixed and I finally have some faith for my selling dealership. They took the shims out of the a/c clutch to make sure they were within spec, then reinstalled them as a last resort. Not only is it not chirping now, but I also noticed that the compressor isn't as noisy as before when it cycles on. Before, I would hear a really loud pop as it came on along with the chirp, but now it's hardly detectable!

[BillyGman]

It's good to hear that you finally got that cleared up. let us know if anything happens w/it in the future. And in a case like this I guess we'll just figure that no news is good news. Good luck Dude....