Car squeal when i turn on the A/C

[Avinash Kaur]

I have a 2001 Honda Civic, the engine runs very quiet until i turn my air conditioner it makes a loud squeal also whenever i turn on the A/C. Can any body why does my car squeal when i turn on the A/C? Does any body knows about it? Kindly provide me the correct solution in order to get rid of the above issue.

[GusFraba]

There are three possibilities here, it's either a loose A/C belt, an A/C compressor clutch going bad or the A/C compressor itself is going bad. Sounds like the belt that drives it needs to be lubricated or tightened. If it's a serpentine belt, it drives not only the AC but the alternator as well. If the alternator isn't working you can run your battery down.

[Rob Dizzle]

If the belt is loose and/or worn out, replace it and make sure it is tightened properly. To check for proper tension push the belt in between the crank pulley and the A/C compressor. Check your gauges or lights. If the alternator/battery gauge is showing a minus(-) sign or the light comes on, get it checked.

[sportsfan81]

Your compressor is locked up, or is about to. The belt might be rotating around the non-moving pulley when you turn on the A/C, giving you the squeal. Be sure you re-tighten the lock not when you complete the adjustment. To check the idler, if you have a mechanic's stethoscope, touch the center bolt while the engine is running. If you hear a vibrating or metal to metal sound, it is the pulley. You can also perform this test with a long screwdriver.