I have a 2003 Saturn Ion, 5-speed, manual transmission, with about 95,000 miles. This week, whenever I turn on the air conditioning (high, low, or in-between) a whirring or revving or rumbling sound comes from under the hood, close to the car, center or passenger side. It sounds I’m driving a huge truck. The sound doesn’t change with RPMs or MPHs, idling/neutral or in any gear.
The sound will begin shortly after I turn on the a/c and sometimes stop by itself. When it stops, especially if I’m not moving, the car gets so quiet (and there’s just maybe a hint of hesitation) that it almost seems like the car has stalled. When I turn off the the air conditioning, the noise stops just after. But the whole time the a/c is on, it’s working just fine, nice and cool.
I’ve been all over the g**gle and this website and I can’t seem to find anything about this problem. Compressor? Condenser? I can’t seem to find anything out about this. I welcome any suggestions or direction. I was hoping to find out a little bit about the problem (and potential repairs/costs) before I head to the mechanic.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!