New 98 GT - AC whirring?

[m0ng00se]

I just got a 1998 grand prix GT. Everything seems to be working nicely, except two things -

The radio doesnt work...

And, the A/C creates this annoying whirring noise when turned on. I cant seem to figure out whats causing the noise, but its definately from the AC. It almost sounds like a small plane taking off when you turn the AC all the way up. Any ideas on how to fix this? :S

[tblake]

is the noise there also with the defrost on? Is it coming from under the dash or in the engine compartment.

Is your radio a stock one or aftermarket? Check the fuses.

[m0ng00se]

I havent yet checked the fuses on the radio, but im assuming thats the issue.

As for the A/C, it seems to be coming from the engine. When i turn the A/C up all the way, it literally shakes the car a little bit. Havent yet checked it with the defrost on.

Thanks for the reply

-Ryan

[blazeracer]

Is the AC blowing cold air? Sounds like the compressor is jacked. I had to re-do the AC on my old blazer and found a company the sells an AC kit that has the compressor, expansion valve and dryer with all the o-rings in one easy package. If you know how to turn wrenches it can be done in a couple of hours. Just have to add R-134 freon. Check out autoaironline.com. If your pump is kicking on (and whining) you have a charge in it so remember that the existing freon has to be evacuated, and not by jamming a screwdriver in the service port. Any shop can that does AC can do that for around $25. The kit for my Blazer was under $300 for eveything it needed and worked great. The shop down the street wanted $1300 for the same thing.

[m0ng00se]

Yeah...That sounds like mine. It kicks on and starts making this crazy violent whirring noise, and will only blow out cold air.

Will definately check out the site.

Thanks blazer, i appreciate it.
Any other suggestions are still welcome.
-Ryan

[blazeracer]

Make for sure that the dryer, also called the evaporator, get replaced or that new pump may eat itself in a quick minute. Oh, that's the silver can in close proximity to the compressor. If I remember right, my kit came with a bottle of PAG oil also, the compressor will need it.

[tblake]

if he's never worked on an AC system before, its probably better left to the pros. Especially to do the evacuation, vacuum, and charge of the system.

[richtazz]

Does the noise change pitch as the blower speed is changed? Grand Prix's are known for blower motor/resistor issues. These are usually caused by water intrusion from a bad cowl seal where the HVAC system draws it's air from under the hood.

[blazeracer]

Except for the evacuation which requires special equipmnt, AC is super easy.

[m0ng00se]

Actually...i must take back what i said. Now that i pay more attention to the source of the noise, it definately sounds like its coming from under the dash, specifically on the far right side....

Hmmm. Any ideas?

[richtazz]

That's where the blower motor is. It's possible that leaves or other debris has gotten down in the heater box or the blower motor is bad. Remove the blower motor and inspect for both debris and water intrusion evidence.