Hi,

 

Just bought a 2015 Skoda Fabia from a dealer. Whenever AC is turned on there's a relatively loud whining noise coming out of the engine compartment on the driver's side. I think it's coming out of the AC compressor. The whining noise immediately goes away as soon as the AC is turned off. Called the dealer and they're telling us that the sound is completely normal. I can hear this sound in the salon while the car is still and the AC is turned on at lowest fan settings.

 

Here's a recorded video of the noise:

 

 

I really don't think this is normal? Do you guys hear such a noise on your Fabias when the AC is on? Can you hear it in the salon?

 

Thanks

Try again - 

Edited 6 September, 20223 yr by nta16

My wife's 2015 1.2TSI has all sorts of different noises at different times coming from the engine bay, they might include an a/c whistle/whine but I've never lifted the bonnet to investigate it.  If no one else replies or knows try posting a video of the sound from inside the car with the engine running, all windows closed and a/c on with blower at 1 and I'll try to see how it compares with her car.

 

It doesn't matter for a sound recording  but if you get into the habit of holding the phone for landscape (instead of portrait) there's more in the video image so more can be seen and perhaps info seen and given.  Even though it's one leaf now having something to remove it with might help more later when more leaves and debris can block flow to the rads (and even Front Assist as we found).

 

Another tip, new or old check your car's battery state of charge and if required recharge now before the shorter days and colder weather, just driving around often will not recharge the battery enough - don't think just because you've bought the car from a dealer that the battery must be or in a good condition.

 

Edited 6 September, 20223 yr by nta16

1 hour ago, nta16 said:

If no one else replies or knows try posting a video of the sound from inside the car with the engine running, all windows closed and a/c on with blower at 1 and I'll try to see how it compares with her car.

 

 

I can do that. You can definitely hear this "eeeee" sound with blower at 1 and doors/windows closed. It is less loud but you can hear it. I'll try remove the leaf as well

Took it to a mechanic today and they think it's a worn out bearing of a radiator fan. As far as I understand fan turns on together with the AC system. Sometimes it takes 10/20 seconds for the whining/whirring sound to appear after we turn on the AC. The sound doesn't change with the revs so the radiator bearing fan makes sense. When driving it's hard to hear it inside the salon, it's more noticeable at traffic stops. Will be interesting if the dealer will agree to fix this issue.

That would be easy to locate with careful use of a mechanic's stethoscope.  Bit annoying as my wife has the same year of model to think that fan didn't last more than 7 years before getting that noisy but perhaps it was just an odd duff one.

 

In ancient times you would just disconnect the fan for a short time and if the noise went away that would be your evidence - but now with all the intertwined computer programs I have no idea if unplugging it might upset something else - plus do not touch anything if you want the dealer to replace it.

 

Whilst at the dealer I would ask that the battery and alternator are also checked for their conditions, playing on the fan being worn, although not really related I would still use that as a lever if they are reluctant to test the battery and alternator as it's not difficult or timely to do, so why can't they do it to reassure you.

 

Did you get any printouts of any history of the car from the dealer at sale, again this is not difficult to do for you and any reluctance to do it to me shows laziness at best and possible worse.

 

My Fabia has made this noise since I bought it whenever the aircon is on. No issues whatsoever just put it down to the pump being a bit noisy.

 

I've heard a few cars with the same engine from other VAG brands making the same noise in traffic.

 

Its less than ideal but I usually can't hear it over the fans, radio and or road noise.