Or so it seems. This ringing sound started to become apparent about a week ago under high A/C settings. It only appears when stopped but when driving, windows down, i can not hear a thing. I don't think it's anything serious but it sounds like un-lubed metal spinning. I've attached a video to see if anyone can distinguish the sound, where it comes from and possible the solutions.

i'll breakdown the scenarios from the video (keep in mind the engine has been started already and been driven for about 10 miles). Apologies in advance for filming in portrait haha

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QiCBi6Y3AJ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

00:00 - 00:10 - A/C fans off. you can hear the ringing intermittently.
00:11 - 01:10 - A/C to about "4" setting and the ringing becomes constant. I do a walkaround to try to find where it's coming from.
01:11 - 01: 26 - Stepping on the gas with A/C still on the "4" setting. whenever i rev the engine or just drive (when the rpms are high) the sound goes away
01:30 - 01:40 - i turn the A/C off again and the sound breaks up until i finally turn the ignition off where it appears once again.

Since it sounds like a pulley or belt, i sprayed some belt dressing on each belt drive but to no avail. Is it the a/c compressor? before i bring it to the shop, i'd like to see if you guys can help. thanks!

 

Well it sounds like the clutch on the A/C compressor to me or possibly one of the bearings in the pulleys.
Ken

 

You can use a long screw driver, press the handle to your ear and the tip along side various parts that spin and you will get a good idea if its under the hood.. I stress be very careful when doing this, you don't want to touch a spinning part just the solid area next to it....

 

I keep a doctors stethoscope in my tool box. It comes in handy once in awhile.

 

Thanks for the replies! interesting-- about the long screwdriver acting as a stethoscope. sounds pretty dangerous and if it does get caught, damaging. i'll give it a go! i'll check the a/c compressor first then move on to the pulleys. probably going to check it out during my lunch so i'm limited on my supplies for now but i did bring my toolbox to get in there.

 

I do the length of rubber hose in the ear and move the other end close to what I am trying to hear. Fuel line or siphon hose works well.

 

that sounds easier, thanks. it seems you can use an assortment of everyday items to "hear" the sounds.

 

EH ? What did you say ? You'll have to speak up, I have this hose thing in my ear ........

 

It beats leaning over and getting the long hippie braids tangled in the fan. Not that I remotely have that issue...

 

on second thought, iiiii think i'lll just bring it to my mechanic lol

 

so i took a look at it during lunch and i don't know where to listen with the long hose. everything is spinning down there! lol what's boggling to me is when i step on the gas, it goes away which makes me lean towards something else that's not the belt or pulley. am i right? or do they increase or decrease in speed according to the rev? that doesnt make sense lol

 

I cu*t hear you. I have an ear infucktion. Better a$$ me again.

 

Corect, JEFASOLD. I found a bad alternator with the "doctor" stethoscope ...Carl

 

Comes with age...old timer lol...Carl