screeching air conditioner - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jsun_14 · 07-19-2011, 12:33 PM

Hi all, it is expected to be "real feel" close to 115 degrees this week so of course the air conditioner is acting up. My 2001 Camry LE for the past week or two has put out a sort of screeching whistle whenever I turn the air conditioning unit on right after turning over the engine. I have found that if I drive the car around and get some acceleration going then turn the air on there is no screeching sound. But if I haven't accelerted enough (length of time or high enough acceleration) the screeching sound is issued. Aside from the hideous noise, what is this doing to the car and what is going on. How do I fix tit. Ideas are welcome. Thanks.

Hot & humid in Pittsburgh

Hajoca · 07-19-2011, 12:49 PM

loose serpentine belt. Tighten it by adjusting alternator position.

capnblinski · 07-19-2011, 03:01 PM

Hey jsun - it's getting hot over here in J-town (Johnstown) and the temp inside the car is probably around 125 degrees right now. Best to find a shady spot to park in. After sitting in the sun with the windows up at work all day the a/c takes about 10 - 15 minutes to cool the interior and by that time your home.

Well, best to be thankfull a/c is available to us...

As hajoca says there's your problem - a belt that is not tensioned properly and the screech is coming from the belt slipping on the pulleys.

Just look at all these excessive heat warnings/watches!

8/14/11
The A/C just needed recharged (approx. one 12 ounce can) and now drops to 40 degrees output within 5 minutes.

hill8570 · 07-19-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hajoca

loose serpentine belt. Tighten it by adjusting alternator position.

Sometimes it can just be an old (hard and slick) belt, or a belt with a bit of oil or coolant on it. If the belt shows a lot of cracking when you flip it sideways and bend it around, best to replace it. If the belt's new-ish and a bit of tightening doesn't fix the problem, give the belt and pullys a bit of a scrub with some soap and water and then rinse well.

jsun_14 · 07-21-2011, 03:22 PM

Thanks for the advice. My brother took a quick peak, he said that the serpentine belt did not look/feel loose nor was it worn in appearance. I am going to try washing it off per hill8570's suggestion. The screeching has become less frequent. I just wonder if contraction/expansion could play a role with all this humidity? If it persists I will try the tightening per your suggestion. Thanks.

jsun_14 · 07-21-2011, 03:28 PM

capnblinski, I ived in Johnstown and I remember the white stuff not the heat. Good luck to you. I will play around with the tension per everyone's advice. Thanks. It seems to have lessened substantially, I wonder if the weather (humidity) is a factor.

jsun_14 · 07-21-2011, 03:31 PM

Thanks for the advice. My brother took a quick peak, he said that the serpentine belt did not look/feel loose nor was it worn in appearance. I am going to try washing it off per your suggestion. The screeching is less noticeable. It is like my hair, too much humidity, unhappy hair and car. Thanks.

LostSouthernStar · 08-13-2011, 02:48 AM

I have the exact same problem with my 2001 Toyota Camry and I was worried something was wrong, but I remember reading that our patricular Camrys have a loose tensioner defect when the car was made at the factory, so a mechanic or yourself could tighten it AND/OR by a new tensioner and have it installed on your car.

I notice once the car is warmed up, the screeching dissapears. I feel your pain my friend...at least we both know we are not going crazy ;-)

bolink654 · 08-13-2011, 03:03 AM

Mine has screeched at various times, usually after having the belt off or spilling oil on it. Loosen the bolt on the alternator and give that tensioner a turn or so. If it dont quit or lessen up, try a new belt and/or rub soap on it.