A/C Compressor making a clicking sound

RAYMUNDOGB

MEMBER
2007 ACURA TSX
1.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
170,000 MILES

So when I turn on my A/C Compressor it makes a clicking noise just once it turns on after that it’s okay, but then when I start driving it and I go high on RPM’s it makes a clicking noise and it makes my RPM’s go down a tiny bit. But you can feel it while driving the car and it never use to do that. When the A/C is off the car is perfectly normal I can go high on RPM’s without the car making the clicking sound from the compressor and the RPM’s do not drop at all.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

When you hear the click, that indicated the compressor clutch is engaging the compressor. That is normal. Actually, the system cycles on and off, so you will hear it doing that.

As far as the RPMs, because of the engine size, you are likely going to see them drop a bit. Again, when the compress engages (clicks), there is a heavy load placed on the engine from the compressor. That's why you notice it.

Here is a link you may find of interest. It discusses how the A/C system works.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-air-conditioner-works

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe