In cabin noise when A/C turns on

Tiny
KMB687
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
When the blower motor is on level 1, 2 or 3 you can hear a hissing, gurgling behind the center vents, only when the A/C is on. It is not the blower motor making the noises. When the A/C is on, the air blows cold as it should. All items of the system seem to function appropriately, however, there is that noise.
Friday, June 4th, 2021 AT 10:06 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

There is a chance the condenser drain isn't allowing enough condensation to drain. Basically, there is a drain that can get plugged. Chances are, you have seen water draining from vehicles when the A/C is running. If that is restricted or blocked, it could cause what you hear.

If you look at the attachments below, they explain how to remove and replace the condenser water drain. Try this and see if there is a lot of water that comes out when removed.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, June 4th, 2021 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
KMB687
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Joe, thank you for the reply and the diagrams they were helpful. I took everything apart and nothing was blocked. Any other ideas?
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Sunday, June 6th, 2021 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

Does it happen with the A/C off and the heater on? Is it loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear?

If it is only when the A/C is on, a gurgling sound can simply be from the refrigerant in the system. Oftentimes, it is caused by being over or under-charged.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 6th, 2021 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
KMB687
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Only happens when A/C is on.

I will upload an sound file tomorrow.
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Sunday, June 6th, 2021 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Sounds good. Keep in mind, often times a gurgling can be the Freon in the system and is considered normal. Once I hear it, I should be able to tell.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
KMB687
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I have uploaded it twice now, has it not come across?
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,710 POSTS
It sounds like could be overcharged or it has too much oil in the system. Has the system been apart? Also is this system a134 or R-1234yf?
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Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 10:00 AM
Tiny
KMB687
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Too much oil in the system?
I am assuming it has been apart at the dealer when they got this vehicle in - its a used car purchase. Google says this is a R134a refrigerant type.
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Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
KMB687
  • MEMBER
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I have not noticed until today, there is also a groan that happens when the A/C is turned on as well.
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Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

What you do is have the system vacuumed down and recharged. Here is a link that shows how it's done and discusses the oil in the system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Let us know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
KMB687
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Thank you, I appreciate your help. I have set up time with a good local shop to get this all dealt with!
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 7:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. If possible, have them listen to it in person to confirm what we recommended. Although the recording is very helpful, not being there makes it a little more difficult.

Take care and if you have the chance, let me know the outcome. I'm interested in knowing and confident that others will benefit from your response.

Joe
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
KMB687
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Outcome, you were correct Joe. The system needed to be vacuumed down and recharged, no issues now, no sounds and blow much cooler.
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Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I'm glad to hear it's taken care of. And if it's colder, all the better. LOL

Take care of yourself and please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You're always welcome here.

Joe
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Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 AT 9:24 PM

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