1996 Ford Taurus A/C Noise

1996 FORD TAURUS
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KRUTED
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  • 2 POSTS
1996 Ford Taurus; 68,160 miles.

I have a 1996 Ford Taurus GL sedan. About two months ago, A/c started making a slightly metallic, very slightly high-pitched rustly whirring sound when on. Definitely not sqeak/squeal. Comes and goes. Runs perfect otherwise. Took to my mechanic, so naturally noise then ceased and they said need to hear it. Recently replaced old extended warranty with new one, but won't start until after inspection. Don't know whether I should just hope it passes or what. Any ideas regarding what may be causing noise and expense to fix would be appreciated. My old warranty, still in force, may or may not cover.
Jan 24, 2006 at 4:02 PM
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GODBEAR839
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 77 POSTS
The ac compressor and it not starting should not be related. if the compressor did happen to freeze it should just eat a belt. does it turn over an not fire it does it not even try to turn over?
Jan 25, 2006 at 12:00 AM
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KRUTED
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[quote:8ef6b83423="godbear839"]The ac compressor and it not starting should not be related. if the compressor did happen to freeze it should just eat a belt. does it turn over an not fire it does it not even try to turn over?[/quote:8ef6b83423]
Turn over? It runs fine, no problems starting, just the noise. I know next to nothing about cars.[/code]
Jan 25, 2006 at 4:16 AM
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SC1 RACING
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 117 POSTS
could be the a/c clutch failing. if so you will see metal dust in front off pulley. when you hear it start and stop is when the a/c cycles.
Jan 25, 2006 at 4:22 AM
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Suggested Repair

Inspect the A/C compressor clutch. A failing clutch can cause a metallic whirring noise that starts and stops as the A/C cycles; check for metal dust in front of the pulley.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Ford Taurus reported an intermittent metallic, slightly high-pitched whirring noise only when the A/C was on; the car otherwise ran and started normally. A mechanic had not heard the noise. One reply mistakenly discussed a no-start condition, which the owner clarified was not the issue. Another reply suggested a failing A/C clutch and advised checking for metal dust in front of the pulley, noting the noise may coincide with A/C cycling.

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