R33 AC Comprssor Noise / Climate Control Button Pushed In?

[chicane]

Hi all,

Have noticed recently when using the AC (when the compressor turns on) there sounds like a metallic chirping sound / belt slipping sound coming from the compressor. Can I fix this, or does it mean its on the way out? (Fitted a 2nd hand one last summer, but the engine was pulled out after the accident about 8 months ago.

Also, somehow (or someone!) has pushed in the AUTO button on my R33's climate control console - Its now on an angle. I'm going to pull it out to have a look, but seeing as i posted about the compressor I thought i'd mention it. Has anyone had this happen before, and is it fixable? Or do i need to get a new console front?

Cheers

chicane

[oor33sky_]

yep this must b a common prob with the r33 as mine also makes the same sound that u mention..has done 4 the 3yrs i have had my car..

also lately the a/c has stuffed up & only is cold when on 18 & when on 19 or higher is hot as!!!

hmm sorry don't know of any solutions 2 these probs but..have heard it is real exy just 2 get looked @ so i figure i don't really use my a/c so have not bothered about it as yet.

[Ant]

Re the noise, does it make that noise only when the compressor starts or all the time when it is running?

Re button on console - console is fairly easy to take out and examine, do a search on dash dis-assembly if you aren't sure on how to get it out. Once you've got the unit out you can take a close look at the button and see if it looks repairable.

[chicane]

oor33sky_: I believe there is a way to calibrate the temp via the diagnostic mode, I think I might need to do it to mine because yeah put it on 18, and it blows ice cold, put it on 19-20 its warmish..

Ant: The noise is only made when the compressor first starts..

I'll pull out the console and see if the button can be fixed tonight I think!

Cheers

[Ant]

Ant: The noise is only made when the compressor first starts..

How long does it make the noise for? Mine goes 'clank - woosh' when the AC is engaged - the clank is the AC clutch pulling in and the woosh I assume is the compressor winding up.

The AC compressor runs off a belt from the main pulley at the front of the engine, and is then engaged by an electric clutch at the front of the compressor. So it could be that the belt is slightly loose on yours, causing the noise. Belt is easy to find, have you checked the tension in it?

[The Dan]

sometimes the metal clutch can make this sound when it engages. or the bearing is had it in the compressor. Not too hard to remove. If the belt tension is ok then I'm betting this is your problem.

[Swordfish19792002]

I fixed my aricon unit acutally.

The OFF button would not push in or out..it was in no mans land.

I pulled the unit out.

Wat you will find is the front plastic panel comes off. Be CAREFUL WHEN TAKEN THIS SHIT OFF AS ITS ALL PLASTIC..U BREAK IT AND IT WIL BE LOOSE OR YOU WILL EFF IT COMPLETELY..

Anyway i unclipped the front panel and the button was not in line with this white plastic stick thingy that goes in inside the unit.

Dont play around with the button too much as it has 2 little black plastic tabs that the button in place.....otherwise if u leaver t he button out or play with the little black tabs will break. They look delicate. Just super glue the back of the button (a little raised star shaped plastic pad ) to the white stick insdie the unit.

So i super glued the button to the stick so it wont come off again. The switch is so ever tight now llike a virgin switch everytime u push it. ha ha...

I also did the Auto switch to cover my ass for later.

Cheers

[chicane]

unreal thanks for the tip swordfish, ill do this tomorrow

I'll check the belt tention tomorrow as well.

Cheers