Noise turning on AC, stutter start from first

80 degrees outside. Truck warmed up until temp needle was about 1/8 inch above line. Started moving then turned on AC. A weird scratch-like sound happened as soon as I turned on AC. Turned it off, back on, all normal. 1/2 mile later, was in first leaving a stop sign and it was a pretty hesitant-stuttery start. After that, all normal.

Did I not let it warm up enough? Had it for two years and always been careful to not turn AC on too soon. Maybe I did this time. If that even matters, just something I've always done.

 

I've never done a warm up of any significance here in Fl., other than on teens and twenties mornings.

The rest of the time the AC is on full time here, even when starting the vehicle.

So, while I don't know what your behavior or noise problems relate to, I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with warm up. Or the lack thereof.

 

Good info, thanks. I guess I always did that due to the feel of the engine kinda kicking into work when you turn the AC on. But I know not much about practical matters in the AC arena. Or car mechanics for that matter. Obviously.

 

Loose belt?

 

For what its worth- just had my entire A/C system- condensor to dash vents replaced under warrabty. I had a small leak. 100% warrantied by Toyota.

Separately, my trucks battery just died.

I would check the battery- sounds like the load from your A/C power could be impacted by a low battery/ power to battery from alternator.

Just my recent experience.

 

Our small motors certainly do detect the load. But they also have an idle step up feature to overcome the additional load, and bring the idle speed back to normal when the compressor engages. You can absolutely feel that happening. It's ECU controlled.

 

Please, tell us more. I've never seen any form of warranty work extend beyond the repair of the faulty part.

Leak locations are not hard to detect, and certainly don't involve 'dash vents'.

 

Also, I said up to dash vents. Yes, they removed the entire dash.

 

Debris in the condenser is usually from a grenaded compressor. I'm assuming they replaced that too?

Since it's a closed system, highly pressurized, I have no clue why parts that deal with air flow would be replaced. I suppose if they pulled the evaporator to replace the expansion valve, (which likely requires dash removal) and some ham-fisted goon busted up the duct work, they'd do that. But the ductwork would have zero to do with the system repair otherwise.

Sounds like a dealer may have been milking some extended warranty program for a few bucks. Did they give you the old parts back? I mean how do you know that stuff was 'really' changed?

 

Lol, you assume lots. No, i do not collect old parts.

Truck has 31k miles- regular Toyota warranty. And yes everything behind dash vents, including compressor is new.

They blamed the factory, and appologized profusely.

 

Well, it just seems odd, that's all. Congratulations on having a refreshed/replaced system!

 

Totally agree! Thanks.

 

Ok, so far sounds like I need to check the belt and battery. Anything else? Thanks for the help.

 

My '10 2.7 made the same noise once this week. Had not used ac for a week or so. Low mileage, belt and tensioner ok. I think it was clutch slippage. System has never been opened and ac performance is very good.

 

Are you sure it's not the completely normal sound of a plug of liquid refrigerant getting sucked into and pushed through the compressor on initial startup after sitting? These trucks don't have a suction line accumulator to prevent this, and with as few (statistically) problems people report with their compressors I'm guessing it's not that big of a deal.

I'm thinking your stumble/low idle issue was separate.

 

Thanks. Great TR quote in your sig btw

 

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