Subaru Outback AC Flowing Churning Noise

rhwilding_186822
Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:27:37 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

I purchased a used 2019 Subaru Outback about 2 months ago. The AC makes a strange on/off sound. It sounds like something is flowing or churning or even defrosting in a way. The sound almost sounds pressurized if that makes sense. I believe it has something to do with the evaporator. I notice the noise comes and goes more frequently when it is humid out. The noise will turn on for a couple minutes and then turns off for a couple minutes. It goes back and forth between on and off during the whole duration of the car trip. I have also noticed a on/off funky smell (sweaty sock or pond water). I do not smell anything sweet which I think would be the case if the freon was leaking, which was my first thought with the sound since it sounds pressurized or gas like. The AC does blow cold, though it does seem to be weak, though I have nothing to compare it to since this is my first Outback and it just might be that way. I have uploaded some video to see if someone one might be able to pin point the sound and what is causing it. The noise happens on recirculation and outside air. And it happens at any fan speed (though it is harder to hear at higher fan speeds). Only time it does not make a sound is when the AC is off and the fan are just blowing which makes sense but thought I would include that just in case.

The video

22 posts - 5 participants