Loud Fan Noise When AC Is On In Car – How To Fix It?

The car AC fan circulates air to the condenser, which subsequently cools the refrigerant, causing it to condense and transform from gas to liquid.

The automobile’s air temperature is hot due to damage to the AC fan, causing damage to other components, uncomfortable experience since loud fan noise when ac is on in car, and the driver’s lack of attention while driving.

To avoid these repercussions, first, identify the source of the problem. This article will give you the primary causes of this problem. Let’s scroll down and take notes!

What Causes Loud Fan Noise When Ac Is On In Car?

loud fan noise when ac is on in car
Why Is My Car AC Fan So Loud

A noisy fan sound can irritate car passengers. Why is my car AC fan so loud

The loud noise can happen for many reasons, including worn-out fan internals, a clogged radiator, a damaged fan belt, a failing viscous fan clutch, loose pulleys, and a faulty magnetic clutch.

Find the exact reason and fix it!

Worn Fan Internals

A motor with many parts like bushes, bearings, and a center spindle is housed inside electric cooling fans.

These components can fail at any time, resulting in excessive noise and impaired cooling efficiency. 

Even though the fans are normally IP-rated, debris or water can get in and cause problems as they age.

Blocked Radiator

Another common reason for car fan making noise is a blocked radiator. A radiator is an important part of the engine’s cooling system.

Its primary function is to disseminate an antifreeze/water mixture around the fins, releasing part of the car engine’s heat while absorbing cool air before passing the engine’s rest.

Debris and dirt can clog the radiator core. When the core is obstructed, the engine temp rises, causing the fan to work overtime to keep up.

The air is also not pulled/pushed through the radiator core, which raises the fan’s working pressure, resulting in more noise and reduced cooling performance.

In case the radiator is damaged, blocked, or malfunctioning, the engine will not be properly cooled.

Overheating will occur as a result, and if the situation is not addressed quickly enough, irreparable damage may ensue.

Damaged Fan Belt

why is my car ac fan so loud
Errors Fan Belt

A fan belt is one of the key car parts that must be serviced regularly.

The fan belt, also known as the auxiliary belt, is constructed of rubber and a Kevlar-like substance.

It helps connect the alternator and crankshaft pulley to the engine cooling fan, completing the assembly of certain engine components.

The component delivers power from the car motor to the cooling system, heat and air conditioning, alternator, power steering, and other auxiliary devices.

Over age, the belt becomes strains, dry, and splits, indicating that it is no longer tight on the system pulleys.

When it occurs, the belts jump on the pulley and shriek, making a terrible and loud sound when the AC is on. If it has a tensioner, readjusting the strap may solve the problem.

In case the belt fails, the car overheats and drains the battery instead of using the alternator to power various components.

Failing Viscous Fan Clutch

A big plastic shroud is occasionally used to direct the airflow in a viscous fan. Fan shrouds work to improve airflow passively.

They are also installed behind the radiator and around the fan blades. The component directs airflow directly over your radiator, improving cooling rates.

Without the fan shroud, air will disperse in every direction beneath the hood, making it less efficient. Engine cooling is reduced by around half when the cooling fan shroud has a problem.

You can know if the fan shroud breaks or develops a hole. Either the shroud snags on the engine-driven fan as it turns, or the air escaping through a hole makes a whistling noise.

Worn Or Loose Pulley

A fan belt pulley is intended to support movement and channel component tension. These are simple but powerful devices capable of causing modest forces to move massive objects.

Pulleys are used to make heavy work easier to manage.

So why is my AC so loud in my car? Although it is uncommon, the fan belt pulleys can become seized or wobble.

Any distortion or irregularity causes squeaking noises in the pulley; sometimes, the fan is blamed when it is not the fan at all.

Faulty Magnetic Clutch

A faulty magnetic clutch can be the source of an AC fan making noise in car. The magnetic clutch is a crucial AC component that links the motor and the AC compressor.

If it was broken, it might cause the compressor to turn off suddenly.

When the car is utilized, or the AC is turned on, problems with the magnetic clutch can impair the functioning of the AC fan.

Repairing these components can solve magnetic clutch problems. However, suppose the damage is severe enough.

In that case, it is recommended that the old magnetic clutch be replaced with a new one so that the car air conditioner fan can resume normal operation.

How To Fix Car AC Fan Making Noise

car fan loud when ac is on
Repair To Car AC Fan Making Noise

Reducing the car fan loud when AC is on is not as simple as it may appear, and depending on the vehicle/fan, there are just a few things you can do at home.

First, you should ensure no blockages in the radiator core, that the blades are clean and spin freely, and that there are no additional problems.

Moreover, check the car air conditioner fan for extraneous objects that shouldn’t be there to eliminate the noise that comes from it. 

If you find the object, take it and make sure there is no object stuck in the car AC fan, so the noise in the car AC fan goes away. Remove and clean it when you find it dirty or contains something strange!

The next step is to ensure no holes in the bulkhead (metal wall between the cabin and the engine bay).

Pipework and electricals are routed through the bulkhead using rubber grommets and seals that act as sound deadeners. Seals and grommets can become loosened, intensifying engine bay noises in the car.

You should bring it to a repair store if you cannot check and fix it at home. A professional mechanic can help you diagnose, repair, or change the faulty component to prevent more damage in the future!

You can quickly diagnose at home first and check some signs that the AC needs to be charged. If you cannot find any problem, bringing it to an auto shop is better!

Conclusion

The loud fan noise when AC is on in car can make drivers and passengers uncomfortable. Besides some annoyance, this problem is not so dangerous.

However, you should diagnose the reason and repair it as soon as possible to prevent more damage to the engine!

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