Hissing, Clicking, Grinding: What Your AC is Telling You

Your car is trying to talk to you. A healthy AC system should be relatively quiet. If you hear strange noises when you turn on the climate control, it is usually a sign of mechanical distress.

1. Hissing (Like a Snake)

The Diagnosis: This usually indicates low gas levels. You are hearing the remaining gas expand violently into the evaporator because there isn't enough liquid in the system to maintain proper pressure. It's often the first sign of a leak.

2. Rapid Clicking

The Diagnosis: This is called "short cycling". The compressor turns on, the pressure sensors detect that gas is too low, and it turns off immediately to save itself. This cycle repeats every few seconds.

3. Metallic Grinding

The Diagnosis: DANGER. Your compressor bearings are failing. If the compressor seizes, it can snap your drive belt, causing you to lose power steering and your alternator.

If you hear grinding, turn off your AC immediately and visit our workshop.