I normally don't use my A/C in stop and go traffic as to save some fuel but the other day I couldn't bare the heat and so on went the A/C. However, during normal acceleration (just below 4K on the tach on each gear) I hear a whinning noise from the engine bay. I'm thinking it's the A/C compressor but the noise is actually pretty loud. I hear it over the engine itself.. is this normal? Oh and I also had the EML light come on by itself. Restarted it and the light stayed off. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

I have an 05 MCSa, had it for about a year, around 18500 miles on it, and just about a month ago the A/C began making a very loud squeal/clacking type noise. Just like you, I can hear this noise over the engine. It happens right at startup, for about a minute, seems to be associated with the compressor kicking on and off.

 

They higher the ambient tempratures are, the harder your A/C is going to work and consequently make more noises.

The MINI A/C system doesn't have that many buffers to minimize these sounds due to its compact size. For the most part, the noises you describe are considered to be normal.

However, if you notice decreased cooling performance at the dash vents then it would be wise to take the car back to the dealer for a check up. Some dealers have replaced perfectly fine compressors when customers complaint about A/C noises. It is best to have a pro check your system, put the gauges and confirm that everything is in good working order.

In other instances some of these noises have nothing to do with the A/C system but rather with a faulty power steering fan. Not a biggie. This is an easy item for your dealer to diagnose and replace under warranty.

 

I'm going to the dealer this Thursday to check out a weird noise my MINI's making related to the AC. I do think a lot of the whining is normal, but this quasi-grinding noise is not. I'll keep ya posted on what transpires....

 

I betcha is a faulty power steering fan, which is often misdiagnosed as a noise coming from the A/C compressor.

 

I have noticed the same thing. A whine that just sounds a little louder than it should be - and I have used my A/C a lot since I've had my car. I don't have the auto A/C, so mine just works normally regardless of the temperature, although with 105 degree temps here lately, it is on a lot.

On a side note, anyone know how to rid your car of the A/C funk smell? You know what I'm talking about, right?

 

To get rid of the musty smell:

1) Start vehicle engine
2) Set temp ****/or auto temp setting to maximum HOT
3) Set fan speed ****/or auto fan setting to HIGHEST
4) Close all windows, sunroof or convertible roof
5) Exit vehicle and close door
6) let the heater run for a good 15-20 minutes
7) Repeat as necessary

This procedure kills off the mold that lives inside your ventilation air ducts.

Lysol works but only temporarily. The high and costant exposure to very warm air insures that the mold is killed and burned completely.

 

My blower fan speed fluctuates by itself occasionally. I dont think this is normal. Anyone else have this problem?

 

I know for a definite that my supposed A/C noise is not the power steering motor as that has a distinctive whine and has been normal since the beginning. This loud whirring whine that I hear only comes on when the A/C is on and only during acceleration. I have the auto A/C but the sound is the same even if I'm running the A/C on manual settings. I was just wondering if the sound was normal operating noises for the A/C compressor. Thanks for all the input!

 

speaking of a/c . today my little frosty flake a/c symbol light started to blink, and all of a sudden no more cold air .i guess it needs more freon or whatever the crap is they use . right?

 

If you have climate control, even in manual mode the fan lowers when it hits temp and increases when car gets hot again. I have been driving the Mini in the heat spell we're having and just noticed that.

 

My mini ran ALL day today and it finally this afternoon started to whine like a belt was whining or the A/C compressor, no drop off in performance or A/C performance but the whining was a little disconcerning. and the temp gauge never went abouve half way all day but the fan was running loud and clear all day.

 

Thanks!!