Question about air conditioning

NC Sky · 05-29-2006, 10:13 PM

I just got my Sky a few days ago but I have been noticing something weird with my air conditioning. The compressor seems to be really loud - much louder than in my old Ion. It actually sounds pretty bad when the car is at a stand still and the radio is off. Also, when I turn on the recirculator, the air conditioner automatically comes on - even without pressing the button for it. The air conditioner LED light doesn't come on but the compressor does and cold air blows out. Is this how the air conditioning system is set up in the Sky? In my Ion, the air conditioner wouldn't come on by just pushing the recirculate button. I am having Saturn take a look at it Wednesday to see if the extra noise is a potential problem. Any input?

SkyMan 08 · 05-29-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC Sky

I just got my Sky a few days ago but I have been noticing something weird with my air conditioning. The compressor seems to be really loud - much louder than in my old Ion. It actually sounds pretty bad when the car is at a stand still and the radio is off. Also, when I turn on the recirculator, the air conditioner automatically comes on - even without pressing the button for it. The air conditioner LED light doesn't come on but the compressor does and cold air blows out. Is this how the air conditioning system is set up in the Sky? In my Ion, the air conditioner wouldn't come on by just pushing the recirculate button. I am having Saturn take a look at it Wednesday to see if the extra noise is a potential problem. Any input?

I have both on my Sky. And on my monte carlo pushing the recirculate button or switching to defroster will also turn on the compressor, and neither case will the air conditioning light come on, so i guess that is the way it is set up...
The noise is similiar to what the compressor on my 2004 Chevy Silverado sounded like, I think it is just a charateristic of that compressor...
where it is located could be a reason it is louder ont he Sky than the ION...
Just a theroy...

Ernest · 05-29-2006, 11:19 PM

Interesting thing I have noticed about the SKY air conditioning system is that under hard acceleration, the A/C drops off, I think it is set up to stop the HP loss you have with the A/C comp running. As soon as you let off or achieve cruising speed it comes back on. YUP!!!!!!

SkyMan 08 · 05-30-2006, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernest

Interesting thing I have noticed about the SKY air conditioning system is that under hard acceleration, the A/C drops off, I think it is set up to stop the HP loss you have with the A/C comp running. As soon as you let off or achieve cruising speed it comes back on. YUP!!!!!!

that isn't that unusual, many cars have been doing that for years....

ILVMYGT · 05-30-2006, 11:12 AM

The AC takes 7 to 10 hp, turning it off during hard acceleration makes sense for a small engine. Keep in mind that you are adding CAI and CAT back exhaust to pick up a similar amount of HP. I hope they are not doing this with bigger engines in trucks. I would hate to loose my AC for 15 to 20 minutes while pulling a 12,000# trailer over some pass.

SKYtime · 05-30-2006, 11:39 AM

Put the top down and shut off the air conditioning!

SkyMan 08 · 05-30-2006, 12:52 PM

I would love to see a selection where the AC would engage if you are going slower than 20MPH, that way in the heat of summer with the sun bearing down when you are going slow or stopped you could get some cool air without turning the air on and off every time you have to stop at a stop light, it would all be automatic then.

rocky777 · 05-30-2006, 04:39 PM

I haven't noticed the compressor being loud, but I have noticed it cutting off when i'm driving hard, and then back on when I resume a normal speed. I understand why it happens, but when its 93 degrees and humid like it is today, I think i'd rather just have the AC on.

NC Sky · 05-31-2006, 02:08 PM

Just got back from Saturn and they took a look at my A/C. Evidently, others have had the same issue I have had - there is a service bulletin out for "moaning/growling" from the A/C. The service manager did everything the bulletin said to do but the noises wouldn't go away! He called the engineers that post the bulletins and we are waiting on a response. Hopefully they will have other solutions. I'll keep you posted...

**Skip** · 05-31-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocky777

I haven't noticed the compressor being loud, but I have noticed it cutting off when i'm driving hard, and then back on when I resume a normal speed. I understand why it happens, but when its 93 degrees and humid like it is today, I think i'd rather just have the AC on.

Don't drive it hard and the a/c will stay on.....Skip...keeping cool.....

peeksdad · 06-01-2006, 02:14 AM

Living in Washington State, I tried the A/C just once. The temp was up to almost 79 and that is hot here. Anyway, I had to get the manual out to find out how to turn it on. No problem, even at 75, it came on, and was as quite as one could expect. I plan on turning it on at least once a month just to keep it "in Tune".

Peeksdad

agirltrucker · 06-01-2006, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKYtime

Put the top down and shut off the air conditioning!

I love your idea, but its been 105+ here, although I found that putting on the a/c with the top down helps....

OISky · 07-06-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC Sky

Just got back from Saturn and they took a look at my A/C. Evidently, others have had the same issue I have had - there is a service bulletin out for "moaning/growling" from the A/C. The service manager did everything the bulletin said to do but the noises wouldn't go away! He called the engineers that post the bulletins and we are waiting on a response. Hopefully they will have other solutions. I'll keep you posted...

Noticed the "growling" sound on ours this weekend. Varies with engine speed. Not real loud but enough to be annoying. Did anyone get a fix for this performed ? We have been using the A/C quite a bit lately because my wife got "chemical pneumonia" and has been having trouble breathing in the high humidity. Luckily she's getting better so we can get back to the top-down and fresh (but warm) air !

TexSon · 07-07-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILVMYGT

The AC takes 7 to 10 hp, turning it off during hard acceleration makes sense for a small engine. Keep in mind that you are adding CAI and CAT back exhaust to pick up a similar amount of HP. I hope they are not doing this with bigger engines in trucks. I would hate to loose my AC for 15 to 20 minutes while pulling a 12,000# trailer over some pass.

Pulling that in my Silverado with the Duramax is no problem, just set the cruise and hope the @$$#o!e with the gas engine pulling a similar load gets out of my way.

nscrbug · 07-14-2006, 01:38 PM

I too, noticed the growling/moaning noise when the A/C is turned on. As soon as I turn the fan off, the moaning stops. Is this just a characteristic of the A/C system in the Sky? What ever became of the TSB about this issue that someone previously posted in this thread? Is there a 'fix' to resolve this? It's pretty loud and annoying...I normally don't even run my A/C...but it's been raining and it's very warm and humid here lately, so A/C is a must.

ggccg · 07-14-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nscrbug

I too, noticed the growling/moaning noise when the A/C is turned on. As soon as I turn the fan off, the moaning stops.

I believe that turning off the fan also turns off the compressor.

nscrbug · 07-14-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggccg

I believe that turning off the fan also turns off the compressor.

Hmmm...ok, I've got another question then. I can't seem to find the answer to this in the owner's manual, so forgive my ignorance if it's in there and I missed it. If after I run the a/c in the car to the point where it's cool enough for me...if I turn off the a/c (snowflake button) and just have the recirculate on along with the fan setting at 1, is the compressor still running at that point? Because I tried that today, and it kept the car nice and cool with just the recirculate on...almost too cool, so it made me wonder if the compressor was actually still running or not...

Based on what you just posted...if the fan is on, then the compressor is also on...am I understanding that correctly?

RealGomer · 06-24-2007, 08:42 PM

I've had my Sky in twice for the A/C noise. First time, a new compressor. Second time, service bulleting said to replace support bracket. It still growls like a hungry lion and sometimes it's so loud I hear it with the top down at 70. That is NOT normal. I'm going to try to record the noise and then play it for my Saturn dealer. They've only had A/C in cars since the Thirties, so you'd think the idiots in Detroit would get it right by now.

RealGomer · 08-09-2007, 08:03 PM

One more update. The service bulletin does not make a permanent fix. Saturn Corp finally admitted it's a design flaw they aren't going to be fixing in the foreseeable future. They just offered to make one car payment and extend the warranty for 4 years as a"good will gesture". I don't think I'll accept as I don't want to cut off any recourse. So, keep going in to the shop, call corporate customer service and make a regular bother of yourself. Maybe, just maybe they'll fix the problem.

Leather · 08-15-2007, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nscrbug

Hmmm...ok, I've got another question then. I can't seem to find the answer to this in the owner's manual, so forgive my ignorance if it's in there and I missed it. If after I run the a/c in the car to the point where it's cool enough for me...if I turn off the a/c (snowflake button) and just have the recirculate on along with the fan setting at 1, is the compressor still running at that point? Because I tried that today, and it kept the car nice and cool with just the recirculate on...almost too cool, so it made me wonder if the compressor was actually still running or not...

Based on what you just posted...if the fan is on, then the compressor is also on...am I understanding that correctly?

I would hope someone has a answer to this. It seems that even tho the A/C is off when you have the fan on and set to recirulate it is still blowing A/C air......All I want to do is recirulate the cool air......but A/C seems like it is on?

**Skip** · 08-16-2007, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leather

I would hope someone has a answer to this. It seems that even tho the A/C is off when you have the fan on and set to recirulate it is still blowing A/C air......All I want to do is recirulate the cool air......but A/C seems like it is on?

If the recirculate button is on the A/C is on....Skip...

05-29-2006, 10:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
NC Sky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 198 My Photos: (0)	Question about air conditioning I just got my Sky a few days ago but I have been noticing something weird with my air conditioning. The compressor seems to be really loud - much louder than in my old Ion. It actually sounds pretty bad when the car is at a stand still and the radio is off. Also, when I turn on the recirculator, the air conditioner automatically comes on - even without pressing the button for it. The air conditioner LED light doesn't come on but the compressor does and cold air blows out. Is this how the air conditioning system is set up in the Sky? In my Ion, the air conditioner wouldn't come on by just pushing the recirculate button. I am having Saturn take a look at it Wednesday to see if the extra noise is a potential problem. Any input? __________________ NC Sky Black Onyx Interior upgrade with red/black 1-disc monsoon stereo LSD Chrome wheels Imaged: 3-14-06 TPW: 5-5-06 In transit with VIN#2406: 5-9-06 Delivered: 5-25-06

05-29-2006, 11:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ernest First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, TEXAS Posts: 4,297 My Photos: (10)	Interesting thing I have noticed about the SKY air conditioning system is that under hard acceleration, the A/C drops off, I think it is set up to stop the HP loss you have with the A/C comp running. As soon as you let off or achieve cruising speed it comes back on. YUP!!!!!! __________________ ERNEST '04 Torch Red Corvette Coupe '07 Corvette Z06 "Scarlett" Victory Red 555.6 rwhp / 485.5 rwt N/A - No Spray Myspace www.myspace.com/ernest06z06 Scarlett's 10.97 @ 127 Video www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWEaFz9hn8s

05-30-2006, 11:12 AM	#5 (permalink)
ILVMYGT First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Port Orchard, Washington Posts: 112 My Photos: (0)	The AC takes 7 to 10 hp, turning it off during hard acceleration makes sense for a small engine. Keep in mind that you are adding CAI and CAT back exhaust to pick up a similar amount of HP. I hope they are not doing this with bigger engines in trucks. I would hate to loose my AC for 15 to 20 minutes while pulling a 12,000# trailer over some pass. __________________ My SKY CHILI PEPPER RED with Black Top, Spoiler and Black Leather interior Premium Trim Package, with AM/FM/CD MP3 playback 5-speed and LSD VIN 1G8MB35BX7Y110700

05-30-2006, 11:39 AM	#6 (permalink)
SKYtime First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Newark, Delaware Posts: 1,125 My Photos: (0)	Put the top down and shut off the air conditioning! __________________ Silver Graphite 2.4L Prem Trim/Blk Lthr/Blk Top Manual Trans. 6-disk Monsoon System Chrome Wheels LSD Pre-Order: 4/06 Order Date: 9/27/06 To Dealer: 10/17/06 Picked up: 10/18/06 VIN: 14489 No mand. add-ons/MSRP Codename: JUSTICE

05-30-2006, 12:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
SkyMan 08 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: God's Country Posts: 2,900 My Photos: (16)	I would like a new selection for the AC I would love to see a selection where the AC would engage if you are going slower than 20MPH, that way in the heat of summer with the sun bearing down when you are going slow or stopped you could get some cool air without turning the air on and off every time you have to stop at a stop light, it would all be automatic then. __________________ Tim Johnson City, Tenessee Nitesky 2 2008 Automatic, premimum trim Chilipepper red Black leather, black top. painted wheels.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Saturn Sky Forum Advertisement

05-30-2006, 04:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
rocky777 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 170 My Photos: (0)	I haven't noticed the compressor being loud, but I have noticed it cutting off when i'm driving hard, and then back on when I resume a normal speed. I understand why it happens, but when its 93 degrees and humid like it is today, I think i'd rather just have the AC on. __________________ Polar White Received on 4/22/06 (just walked into the dealership, bought it and drove away) Black and Tan leather interior Brown/Tan Top Automatic Monsoon 6 disk changer - XM Chrome Wheels Spoiler LSD VIN#1422

05-31-2006, 02:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
NC Sky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 198 My Photos: (0)	Just got back from Saturn and they took a look at my A/C. Evidently, others have had the same issue I have had - there is a service bulletin out for "moaning/growling" from the A/C. The service manager did everything the bulletin said to do but the noises wouldn't go away! He called the engineers that post the bulletins and we are waiting on a response. Hopefully they will have other solutions. I'll keep you posted... __________________ NC Sky Black Onyx Interior upgrade with red/black 1-disc monsoon stereo LSD Chrome wheels Imaged: 3-14-06 TPW: 5-5-06 In transit with VIN#2406: 5-9-06 Delivered: 5-25-06

06-01-2006, 02:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
peeksdad First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 39 My Photos: (0)	Tried only once Living in Washington State, I tried the A/C just once. The temp was up to almost 79 and that is hot here. Anyway, I had to get the manual out to find out how to turn it on. No problem, even at 75, it came on, and was as quite as one could expect. I plan on turning it on at least once a month just to keep it "in Tune". Peeksdad

07-14-2006, 01:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
nscrbug First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Chicago burbs Posts: 1,421 My Photos: (6)	Growling A/C I too, noticed the growling/moaning noise when the A/C is turned on. As soon as I turn the fan off, the moaning stops. Is this just a characteristic of the A/C system in the Sky? What ever became of the TSB about this issue that someone previously posted in this thread? Is there a 'fix' to resolve this? It's pretty loud and annoying...I normally don't even run my A/C...but it's been raining and it's very warm and humid here lately, so A/C is a must. __________________ Linda 2008 RL Delivered - 08/25/2007 Silver Pearl/Black Cloth Polished Alloys Automatic Monsoon 1 disc

06-24-2007, 08:42 PM	#18 (permalink)
RealGomer Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 57 My Photos: (0)	Servie Bulletin didn't fix noise I've had my Sky in twice for the A/C noise. First time, a new compressor. Second time, service bulleting said to replace support bracket. It still growls like a hungry lion and sometimes it's so loud I hear it with the top down at 70. That is NOT normal. I'm going to try to record the noise and then play it for my Saturn dealer. They've only had A/C in cars since the Thirties, so you'd think the idiots in Detroit would get it right by now.

08-09-2007, 08:03 PM	#19 (permalink)
RealGomer Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 57 My Photos: (0)	One more update. The service bulletin does not make a permanent fix. Saturn Corp finally admitted it's a design flaw they aren't going to be fixing in the foreseeable future. They just offered to make one car payment and extend the warranty for 4 years as a"good will gesture". I don't think I'll accept as I don't want to cut off any recourse. So, keep going in to the shop, call corporate customer service and make a regular bother of yourself. Maybe, just maybe they'll fix the problem.