Squealing and AC problems. Plz help.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: HI
Squealing and AC problems. Plz help.
Hey my car started squealing when I turn the car on. It's been getting increasingly louder and has been lasting longer. After a few minutes, the noise stops. Sometimes the car won't squeal at all when I turn it on. Lately it hasn't but I'm sure it will come back.
My a/c also started squealing when I turn it on too. So I would turn it off and wait a few minutes before turning it on again and it would stop squealing. But after a while, even if I drive for like half an hour, I can't turn my a/c on without it squealing. I was afraid of leaving it on in case it breaks because the noise sounds pretty bad. But when my friend drove my car, he left the a/c on and then it just flat out broke. So now I can hear the a/c working and the air blowing but nothing comes out of the vents. Sometimes when I start it, I feel cold air blowing from the top of the dashboard or under it for a little while. I'm pretty sure my a/c is working and the air is cold but its just not coming out of my vents.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
My a/c also started squealing when I turn it on too. So I would turn it off and wait a few minutes before turning it on again and it would stop squealing. But after a while, even if I drive for like half an hour, I can't turn my a/c on without it squealing. I was afraid of leaving it on in case it breaks because the noise sounds pretty bad. But when my friend drove my car, he left the a/c on and then it just flat out broke. So now I can hear the a/c working and the air blowing but nothing comes out of the vents. Sometimes when I start it, I feel cold air blowing from the top of the dashboard or under it for a little while. I'm pretty sure my a/c is working and the air is cold but its just not coming out of my vents.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Driver
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Welcome to ClubLexus!
There are 2 accessory belts on the bottom-passenger-side of the engine that drive stuff like the A/C compressor. The early symptoms of squeeking on start-up is normally the indication that these belts are due for replacment.
So, check out these two belts. If needed, I would recommend replacment with OEM belts.
There are 2 accessory belts on the bottom-passenger-side of the engine that drive stuff like the A/C compressor. The early symptoms of squeeking on start-up is normally the indication that these belts are due for replacment.
So, check out these two belts. If needed, I would recommend replacment with OEM belts.
Sounds like a loose belt. Check the belt tension and make sure that its correct. If it still squeals, then it probably needs replaced. And if it still squeals, it could be one or more tensioners going bad.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
The problem has to be diagnosed.
Look for the obvious one ... change load (engaging the A/C clutch), turning the steering wheel, spraying water on the belts etc.
Once you eliminate those, mechanic's stethoscope can help.
Idler in the timing belt can cause a squealing as well.
Salim
Look for the obvious one ... change load (engaging the A/C clutch), turning the steering wheel, spraying water on the belts etc.
Once you eliminate those, mechanic's stethoscope can help.
Idler in the timing belt can cause a squealing as well.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: HI
Trending Topics
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
How long does it last after you start the car? There are a few belts that could be going bad. You might just want to look over all of your belts an see if any of them are fraying or falling apart.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 103
From: Sacramento, California
Did you use OEM Toyota/Lexus belts, and are they tensioned properly...If you can twist the belt (AC) more than 90 degrees in the middle of the span (longest) than the belt is too loose.....
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: fl
Squeal
To help pinpoint a belt issue - put some regular toothpaste on the belt in several places where it will contact the pulleys you can reach. If that stops the squeal, clean the pulleys and replace the belt. The toothpaste will temporarily break any glazing on the belt. You can do the same with bar soap., but toothpaste has a better tooth to it (yeah - pun intended).
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Wi
You need to have your Alternator/Powersteering and A/C belts replaced. I had the same exact issue. I had both belts replaced. Ordered them off eBay for like $24 for total for both. (Toyota wanted to rob me asking for 79 for both). Once you have these 2 belts replaced (alternator/powersteering and A/C belts), you should be fine. Chow!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: MN
You need to have your Alternator/Powersteering and A/C belts replaced. I had the same exact issue. I had both belts replaced. Ordered them off eBay for like $24 for total for both. (Toyota wanted to rob me asking for 79 for both). Once you have these 2 belts replaced (alternator/powersteering and A/C belts), you should be fine. Chow!