Air Conditioner: Loud "thunk" noise?

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by GHammerly

...Just in case check the radiator fans for chunks of dead squirrels or rats ;)

OH NO

Don't let jetfuel see that

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by fpage77

chieftmc is your avatar a self portrait?

NO, that's the picture the doctor took after my latest BOTOX treatment

[MPrice2984]

My compressor clutch seems to be cycling on and off and is really making a loud
thunk sound also, doesn't do it all the time but was really noticeable this morning. My warranty's up in 2200 miles so it's time to hit the dealer before it gets really expensive.

[Gilbert's]

Warranty issue go to your dealer....

[SuperGeek]

Definitely post a followup when you go to the dealer. I'd like to see if that's considered normal; my dealer said everything was fine. Of course, they were busy and missed one line item until I confirmed it. They may have missed another.

[paultoleary]

Would be interesting to know a definite answer on this - mine does the same thing... thunk then hiss when you first start the car with the AC on...of course I know its the AC compressor and clutch engaging.. but should it sound like that?

[markitect]

Mine just started making a louder clunk then normal, but I'm out of warranty, let me know if you find anything out.

[Garage Philosopher]

You may be hearing the expansion valve opening in response to the building pressure of the a/c system. Same for the hiss as the refrigerant begins to move through the system.

[paultoleary]

Well Markitect I actually took mine to the dealer on Saturday (I backed into something in the garage and broke the taillight) and had that replaced - pretty much the easiest and only way to get a new taillight....

The tech was a great guy and my appointment was before the dealership opened so I spent the whole time in the service bay getting them to check and test things.... I talked about the thunk and he said its just the compressor and AC clutch engaging (as we all know!) and that it is normal and that as long as the AC is working not to worry about it...

I will tell all though that if you have a light replaced and the bulbs are good.. keep them as they are worth $$$$ AND I kept the circuitboard for the light assembly as he said that if they go bad you cant get a new board you have to get a whole new light (as if you have broken it..) so I kept $30 of bulbs and a priceless board which can be used if I ever have one go out..