• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

What's wrong with my air conditioner?

V

vchimpanzee

The man at the garage doesn't know. Sometimes it blows out cold air. Sometimes it doesn't. But one day when I was returning home from the mountains and it hadn't blown cold air for a while, it started blowing out cold air.

But just before it stopped, the buzzing that had been interfering with my AM signal stopped and it was clear once again. I'd rather have the cold air, but what does it take to make the air conditioner not interfere with my radio?
 
Vchimp,

First, get your A/C repaired by a genuine A/C shop. The intermittent operation and audio buzz are most likely related. Then, if the audio buzzing persists, take your car to a good auto-electric shop (not an ordinary mechanic). I'm guessing the audio buzz is caused by an inadequately grounded circuit in the A/C. If the car is an older model corrosion might be an issue.
 
landtuna said:
Vchimp,

First, get your A/C repaired by a genuine A/C shop. The intermittent operation and audio buzz are most likely related. Then, if the audio buzzing persists, take your car to a good auto-electric shop (not an ordinary mechanic). I'm guessing the audio buzz is caused by an inadequately grounded circuit in the A/C. If the car is an older model corrosion might be an issue.
Click to expand...
I already paid $350. At least now there is some cold air.

I'm glad to hear it might be possible to listen to AM radio and have air conditioning at the same time.

I didn't know where a "genuine A/C shop" was. I just went to the place where I've had stuff done and they said they could do it. Now he says he needs to take it to the dealer.

I'll just wait for Fall. But I hate cold weather too!
 
I left home on a cool morning. I was getting cool air, but maybe because it was cool. I heard a brief squealing noise and then it stopped. I wonder if this is related to the temperature actually being cool, meaning only the fan has to be working?
 
vchimpanzee said:
I left home on a cool morning. I was getting cool air, but maybe because it was cool. I heard a brief squealing noise and then it stopped. I wonder if this is related to the temperature actually being cool, meaning only the fan has to be working?
Click to expand...

Did the squealing noise began when you turned on the A/C? If so, you need to tighten up the compressor belt.
 
I drive a Buick Rendevous... I have had AM reception problems for years. I have had mechanics tell me that the computer(s) used today cause some interference. I have noticed on a couple of delivery vehicles at work, that when you put the brakes on or if you turn on the headlights, it causes whistles. You turn them off, they go away. I have also found, it usually happens, when I'm further away from the local stations towers. It is sometimes 18-35 miles away, when I notice it. Take it to the dealership or autoshop, which is located in town or near the transmitter, and they will not find the problem.
I have noticed also that the newer developments in Radio transmitting like HD radio, causes blanking over segments of nearby frequencies and harmonics from the main transmission position -- 840 AM causes problems on either side 820 AM to 860 AM and etc.
Finally, on earlier cars I have owned back in the 1960's and 1970's, there was a grounding strap that rubbed against the hood of the car from the body of the car. I think, this was to eliminate static caused by metals rubbing due to uneven roadways. I have noticed that cars in the 90's and after 2000 don't have the strap anymore. Better radios? An overlooked unnecessary item? I don't know.
ANY COMMENTS???
 
It would be easy enough to drill a couple of holes and install your own grounding strap to test your theory.
 
landtuna said:
vchimpanzee said:
I left home on a cool morning. I was getting cool air, but maybe because it was cool. I heard a brief squealing noise and then it stopped. I wonder if this is related to the temperature actually being cool, meaning only the fan has to be working?
Click to expand...

Did the squealing noise began when you turned on the A/C? If so, you need to tighten up the compressor belt.
Click to expand...
No, I was accelerating to full speed on the main highway.
 
vchimpanzee said:
landtuna said:
vchimpanzee said:
I left home on a cool morning. I was getting cool air, but maybe because it was cool. I heard a brief squealing noise and then it stopped. I wonder if this is related to the temperature actually being cool, meaning only the fan has to be working?
Click to expand...

Did the squealing noise began when you turned on the A/C? If so, you need to tighten up the compressor belt.
Click to expand...
No, I was accelerating to full speed on the main highway.
Click to expand...

Tighten your A/C drive belt to spec.
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom