Hi All,

Came across the forum researching an issue I'm having with my 2007 Caliber (base model) - has about 80K miles and I've had it since 2008. When I have have the air conditioner on a screeching noise starts happening, especially notable when I accelerate from a stop. The noise completely stops when I turn the AC off.

A couple of questions:

1. Could this be a belt (I've never had any belt replaced yet)?
2. If it's the compressor - anyone have a guess-timate about costs to replace?
3. I'm thinking of buying used and taking it to a mechanic - are mechanics ok with that?

Any help and / or info is appreciated.

Thanks!

Al in SoCal

 

Welcome to the forum. It sure sounds like a belt making noise with the extra load of the a/c compressor. I would start by replacing it first. Also, make sure it is dry and doesn't have oil on it from a leak somewhere. That will cause them to be noisy as well.

 

replace the belt and make sure it is tightened properly. don't forget to check the belt after a couple of hours run time because they will stretch out a bit right off the hop. if it still makes noise afterwards, I would have your AC pump checked, the clutch pack could be seizing up

 

It is a variable displacement compressor. It has no clutch. It turns all of the time as far as I know.