DEFINITION: Noise originating from the A/C compressor, drive belt or the A/C lines.

Were you sent here from Symptoms or another diagnostic table?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual in HVAC Systems - Manual or to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Automatic in HVAC Systems - Automatic

1. A/C system noises can be generally categorized into 3 areas:

•	Screeching, squealing or chirping noises

•	Moaning noises

•	Vibration/rattle noises

2. Start the engine.
3. Ensure that the A/C is ON.

Is a screeching or squealing noise heard when the A/C is engaged?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 9

With the engine OFF, inspect the drive belt for excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L or to Drive Belt Excessive Wear Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.

Is the drive belt excessively worn?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 4

Inspect the drive belt tension. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L or to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.

Is the drive belt tension correct?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 19

Inspect the drive belt for excessive oil coverage.

Is the drive belt covered with oil?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 6

1. Start the engine.
2. Ensure that the A/C is ON.
3. Inspect the compressor and the clutch.

Is the A/C compressor locked up?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 7

Is the A/C compressor clutch slipping?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 8

Caution: Refer to Moving Parts and Hot Surfaces Caution in the Preface section.

Using a stethoscope, listen to the A/C compressor for any abnormal noise.

Is the compressor causing an abnormal noise?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

Does a moaning noise exist when the A/C clutch is engaged?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

Listen to the A/C compressor components and mounting for noise concerns using a stethoscope.

Are any of these components loose, damaged or excessively worn?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

1. Idle the engine.
2. Engage the A/C compressor clutch.
3. Using a stethoscope, move around the entire refrigerant plumbing system. Listen for any abnormal noises caused by a component of the A/C system touching another component.

Are any of the A/C components grounding out and causing a vibration noise?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 13

Does a vibration or rattle noise exist when the A/C clutch is engaged?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

Does the noise stop when the A/C clutch is disengaged?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 25

1. Idle the engine in PARK with the A/C compressor clutch engaged.
2. Using a stethoscope, move around the entire A/C system testing for any abnormal noises caused by a component.

Do any of the A/C components cause an abnormal noise?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 25

Verify that the A/C system is properly charged. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .

Is the A/C system properly charged?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 16

Recharge the A/C system to specification. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .

Is the abnormal compressor noise still present?

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 26

Repair the oil leak. Refer to the appropriate repair procedure in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L or Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Replace the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L or to Drive Belt Replacement - Accessory in Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Replace the drive belt tensioner. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L or to Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement - Accessory in Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Repair or replace the A/C compressor mounting component.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Repair or replace the component which is causing the moaning concern as needed.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Correctly route or insulate the A/C component.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Replace the A/C compressor clutch. Refer to Compressor Clutch Assembly Replacement .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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Replace the A/C compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 26

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The concern may be caused by an engine related component. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Engine in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

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Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2