Technical Air Con Noise

[BRAV-OH!!]

I've noticed, after driving with no radio on today, that my air con, when in use, makes a weird noise every 10 secs or so.

When the air con is turned on there is an 'air rush' sound every 10secs or so that lasts about 2 secs. The best I can describe it is the sound you get as you blow up a balloon and you get the sound as the air rushes into the balloon. It seems to becoming from behind the dash. Behind the heater controls etc

I've had air con in my previous Peugeot 407, Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo and in all these cars when the air con was turned on it operated silently.

Is there something wrong with the Bravo (1.4 T-Jet Active Sport) or just the way it is?

It is working fine and is ice cold so everything seems to be fine.

 

[StuartB]

Don't worry; mine did that for a while. I opened the vents up full and and let it blast through. Everything is fine and dandy now - lovely, cool and quiet.

 

[BRAV-OH!!]

Don't worry; mine did that for a while. I opened the vents up full and and let it blast through. Everything is fine and dandy now - lovely, cool and quiet.

It gets annoying lol but can only be heard when there is no radio on etc so isn't too bad.

 

[D4nny8oy]

It's likely that the A/C gas level is a little low, causing the 'rushing air' noise whenever it cuts-in.

It's quite common now as all manufacturers are putting in the bare minimum amount of gas they can in order to trim the costs of production. A regas should cure this (as well as a quick check for any leaks, though they're quite rare).

Note: It's not a warranty issue as the system is still working (unless any leaks are found of course).

 

[BRAV-OH!!]

It's likely that the A/C gas level is a little low, causing the 'rushing air' noise whenever it cuts-in.

It's quite common now as all manufacturers are putting in the bare minimum amount of gas they can in order to trim the costs of production. A regas should cure this (as well as a quick check for any leaks, though they're quite rare).

Note: It's not a warranty issue as the system is still working (unless any leaks are found of course).

Cheers! I might just book it in anyway with my dealer and see what they say to it. Never know they might re-gas it free of charge if it's in anyway.

Need to get a replcement drivers sun-visor anyway as it never stays up or down but stays in the middle meaning that when the suns out it doesn't keep the sun out and when the sun's away just gets in the way. Looks like the workings of the hinge inside may be faulty

 

[Peter Pick-Up]

www.autoacforum.com for more (car) airco related info!
In my experience, at least overhere in Holland, I don't go to a (Fiat) dealer for airco tuning/refiling or whatever, but instead, I go to a car air conditioning specialist, and there are quit a few here....booming business, I gues..!

 

[pegas]

Yes, the A/C noise is the known issue and all what have been recommended here should cure it.

However, I am quite concerned about the noise coming from the electromagnetic clutch. Every time I start the A/C, i.e. when the clutch is engaged, I very distinctly hear a stroke or let's say a bump. This sound repeats also during the A/C operation, in fact every time when the clutch switches on but this time it is not so loudy. I have discovered, though, when the engine starts with the A/C already having on, the stroke from the clutch is not so heavy. Apart this, the A/C runs and cools well.

Should I be really concerned about?