Hi everyone, I purchased a used 2013 Prius C last fall (currently its ticking 33000 miles). That time the weather was cold and did not need the A/C that much. As the summer progresses, I am hearing a loud noise coming out from the engine bay as I turn on the A/C. Here is an YouTube link for the noise, The temperature here is nearly 85 degree Fahrenheit. Is it normal in this weather? I am little bit concern as my warranty expires soon. Thanks in advance.
That sounds like a fan noise. Anything in the way of the radiator fan blades that could be vibrating?
This disturbing noise is also on my 2010. Everything seems to be normal but that sound is just annoying
I've never opened the hood to listen to the A/C, but from inside the car it's very quiet. I can hear a faint motor-like noise and that's about it. The noise in your video sounds very much like fan blades hitting something loose like the loose end of a tie-wrap. I'd have a good look at the fan to make sure that there's nothing interfering with it.
Thanks everyone for your feedback. I throughly checked today to see if something is getting in the way of fan blades or any electrical tapes/ties are loosen. Everything looked fine. So I took it to the dealership and they are saying that it is a normal sound for Prius. Getting a little bit confused...
The noise is normal. The ac is not connected to the engine. It runs by itself with an electrical motor. The motor only comes on when the pump needs to build up pressure. The hotter it is outside and the cooler you set your interior temp, the louder it will sound. Please see "ac buzzing noise" in Priuschat.com for all the details.
Test driven a new Prius C. Yes, the buzzing sound is also present there. These are really different cars...
Mine was loud only once last summer. What you have is a fully self contained ac system. It will last much longer because it on runs when you turn on the ac. Read up on it, I think you will be impressed.
Yes, quite unique self-contained assembly with variable speed adjustment... Also found some of your previous posts in the Prius forum. Awesome info, thanks Montgomery
Only had my car one month when I first heard the noise. We were in a heat wave of 100 plus degree days. Pissed me off at first cause I thought I bought a lemon. First thing I did was go here and type in the issue and Whaa-Laa!! I was saved!!
Late to the party here but I noticed the 'A/C buzz' in my daughter's 2012 Prius C when doing some maintenance on the car. Glad to hear it is 'normal'. BTW - the buzz isn't nearly as noticeable when the hood is down.
