1999 Chrysler Sebring noise

Tiny
ROBB HOWARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHRYSLER SEBRING
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 37,154 MILES
I'm in Mexico for the next 6 months, (hot) and noticed a noise in my engine. I am reluctant to go to a local mechanic without specific info. After the engine has been running awhile a whirring whining noise begins almost like there was strain put on the engine the noise will stop for awhile and then begin again. I can almost always get the noise to start by turning on the air conditioning but not always right away. The gauges all indicate there is nothing wrong. Its almost like there was an auxillary cooling unit for the engine that kicks in as needed.
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 AT 7:24 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Are you sure it's not just the air conditioning compressor cycling on and off? Watch the disc on the front of the compressor. If it clicks kind of loudly and starts to spin at the same time, it's working properly. No need to worry. It will run in defrost mode too to remove humidity from the air before it gets blown onto the windshield.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
ROBB HOWARD
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  • 5 POSTS
Would the air conditioning compressor cycle on if the a c was off?
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 AT 3:13 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Nope. It has to be turned on, but the thing that confuses a lot of people is that it will cycle on and off in the defrost mode.

You also might be hearing the electric radiator fan. It turns on at 210 degrees and off around 198 degrees. That will be obvious if you have the hood open. You will feel the air flow start and stop.

Caradiodoc
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
ROBB HOWARD
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  • 5 POSTS
OK its probably the electric fan, is there any problem with it running a lot because of the heat where I an in Mexico (average 90 during the day)?
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Thursday, May 6th, 2010 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
You can expect it to cycle on a lot in hot weather. It will not turn on very often when you're driving because the natural air flow will be sufficient to keep the radiator cool.

Caradiodoc
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Thursday, May 6th, 2010 AT 11:18 PM
Tiny
ROBB HOWARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks, it all makes sense now but, the fact that I can hear it when it cycles on and off from within the car does this mean anything, ie its wearing out ect. Because I will be doing a lot of driving in rural mexico a breakdown is something to be avoided better to fix things from my home base (still rural but I have a house). If so, how difficult a procedure to fix/replace this fan also where is it located?
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Friday, May 7th, 2010 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
The fan is part of a plastic shroud bolted to the back of the radiator. You might be able to hear it from inside the car, but with the windows rolled up it won't be very loud. If in doubt if it's too loud, listen to another similar car or have a mechanic take a quick listen.

Caradiodoc
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Friday, May 7th, 2010 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
ROBB HOWARD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP
Robb
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Friday, May 7th, 2010 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
2 LINSEY
  • MECHANIC
  • 287 POSTS
Thank you for using 2CarPros. Com. We appreciate your donation and look forward to helping you in the future.
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Monday, May 10th, 2010 AT 1:46 PM

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