Intermittent groaning noise when AC or heat is on

[KennyPowers55]

I have a 2014 XLT with 61,000 miles on it. I can best describe the noise I am hearing as groaning. It is not consistent, and the noise stops as soon as I turn off the climate control. And sometimes it stops on its own. I have only noticed at at idle and slow speeds, like in stop and go traffic. The climate system itself doesn't seem to be affected. Heat is still warm and AC is still cool.
Any ideas on what to look for?

 

[Explodemylifepls]

That is the noise your ac compressor makes while operating.

 

[peterk9]

I have a 2014 XLT with 61,000 miles on it. I can best describe the noise I am hearing as groaning. It is not consistent, and the noise stops as soon as I turn off the climate control. And sometimes it stops on its own. I have only noticed at at idle and slow speeds, like in stop and go traffic. The climate system itself doesn't seem to be affected. Heat is still warm and AC is still cool.
Any ideas on what to look for?

When you hear the noise have you tried increasing/decreasing the fan motor speed to see if affects it? As the member above mentioned, it could be the A/C compressor but it shouldn't be making any such noise unless there is an issue with it.

Peter

 

[ncsuengineer256]

That is the noise your ac compressor makes while operating.

I think I have the same noise. Mine sounds more like a faint whirring though. I'm 99% sure it's the compressor.

 

[ProjectSHO89]

Anyone think to open the hood and take a look and listen?

 

[KennyPowers55]

Anyone think to open the hood and take a look and listen?

Yes. Of course when I did it with another person around ( who is more of a "car guy" than myself) the noise didn't present itself. I will try again and report back.

The AC compressor was replaced about a year ago. Mechanic said it was the source of my leaking.

Does the AC compressor also run when the heat is on (with the AC light showing off)?

So I'm guessing it's probably not the serpentine belt? I bought this used with 30k miles, so unless the dealer or previous owner replaced it, it still has the original.

 

[ncsuengineer256]

Yes. Of course when I did it with another person around ( who is more of a "car guy" than myself) the noise didn't present itself. I will try again and report back.

The AC compressor was replaced about a year ago. Mechanic said it was the source of my leaking.

Does the AC compressor also run when the heat is on (with the AC light showing off)?

So I'm guessing it's probably not the serpentine belt? I bought this used with 30k miles, so unless the dealer or previous owner replaced it, it still has the original.

I opened my hood and listened and didn't hear anything. I think mine is just a whirring at high RPM, probably me being paranoid.

I think the only case in which the compressor would run with the heat on is if you are also running the defroster. The defroster will typically use the compressor regardless of whether or not the A/C light is on.

 

[ProjectSHO89]

Does the AC compressor also run when the heat is on (with the AC light showing off)?

It depends. A lot of the modes are automatic unless you specifically set it to VENT or OFF.