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A/C not working, makes grinding noise when turning on A/C

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015.

  1. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Fearing the worse here on my 2011 Prius Four, not IV. When I press the "on" A/C button I hear a grinding noise for about two seconds. Seems to be coming from a low area in engine.

    Any suggestions? I wish I knew how to upload a video to this thread.
     
    #1 Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015
  2. Beachbummm

    Beachbummm Senior Member

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    the ac compressor is the most likely suspect...
     
    #2 Beachbummm, Jul 22, 2015
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    upload to youtube and provide a link
     
    #3 JC91006, Jul 22, 2015
  4. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Thanks. Here's the thread

     
    #4 Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015
  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    this sound happens every time the AC turns on? I actually didn't hear the AC come on. Is your engine low on oil or does it burn oil? Sounds like an engine trying to turn over
     
    #5 JC91006, Jul 22, 2015
  6. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Maybe its louder than normal. Not sure. I've had the car over a year now and never noticed the noise. Oil good. The A/C is blowing hot.
     
    #6 Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Well your issue is not that it makes the noise....your issue is the AC DOES NOT WORK :D

    Well somebody with more knowledge will need to help you. Sounds bad I must say
     
    #7 JC91006, Jul 22, 2015
  8. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Here's a longer video with the grinding getting worse. Car engine is fully charged and quiet. All the noise you hear is when the AC is turned on. Painful to listen.

     
    #8 Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015
  9. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Appreciate the time. Thanks.
     
    #9 Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015
  10. PriusC_Commuter

    PriusC_Commuter Active Member

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    I think this might be in the wrong subforum, since it's listed under Prius C.
     
    #10 PriusC_Commuter, Jul 22, 2015
  11. Gudnidy

    Gudnidy New Member

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    Thanks. I'm lost with this stuff. Lol.
     
    #11 Gudnidy, Jul 22, 2015
    PriusC_Commuter likes this.
  12. PriusC_Commuter

    PriusC_Commuter Active Member

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    Thought so lol. You will likely get better traction in the right subforum. A mod could move the thread for you.
     
    #12 PriusC_Commuter, Jul 22, 2015
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    take it to a dealer, get a repair estimate, and call toyota for a good faith warranty.
     
    #13 bisco, Jul 22, 2015
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  14. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Even without the ICE running, when I turn on the A/C/Auto (outside temp 90º+, cabin temp set to 68º) I can hear creaks and groans of the flaps/servos being moved, as well as the recirculating flap being moved (although as the target temp is reached the recirc. flap is returned to its normal (external) position. - hope this helps - Wil
     
    #14 WilDavis, Jul 22, 2015
  15. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

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    My GII has developed a recirculating damper noise too.
    I am beginning to think about what it will take to fix it.
     
    #15 Oldwolf, Jul 23, 2015
  16. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Ear-plugs? …or turn up the stereo? ;)
     
    #16 WilDavis, Jul 23, 2015
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