A/C Noise When Turning On

I'm pretty sure that the effects on the starter are pretty much negligible since the A/C clutch would be switching on while cranking/starting anyway.

 

We shouldn't have to find a workaround my new 2021 4Runner is dead silent, Ive tried it at 1300 rpm when first on and its like there isnt an AC turning on, not sure what Toyota did with the new Trucks?

 

Just bought a 2021 Tundra Crewmax Limited (7/9/21) and with less than 200 miles on the truck it is making the same noise as described by all the posters. It's freaky since it's loud and sounds like it might be causing major damage. I get the exact same thing everyone else does, when cold or having sat for a couple of days the noise occurs when turning on the A/C. It only happens once and just for a couple of seconds, then no problem the rest of the day. A/C works as it should. Haven't taken it in yet, but I put the provided video on my phone and will play it for the service writer and see what they say. I'll post back with an update.

 

Just some personal history on this, my FJ, 4runner and Tundra have all done this exact same thing. I havent read the entire thread but yes if the clutch engages after sitting for some time it can make a loud groan or noise, I swear its been bad enough at times to feel like it shift the motor a bit.


Here's the thing, the FJ had a good 80k+ miles on it, the 4Runner has 30k and both my Tundras have had it. None of them have had any actual issue though. A noise, albeit annoying, isn't always a sign of impending failure.

 

Elduder,

Of course you're right, not all noises portend a catastrophe. I'm still getting used to it because it's so new and this particular noise sounds bad; I hope it turns out to be just an idiosyncrasy with Tundras.

Thanks for your reply!

 

I understand the initial concern, took me a while to even figure out what was happening since it only happens once in a while. Now, Ive just been hearing it for years and am used to it. It actually happened last week and was pretty loud, I just chuckled.

 

My 2021 crewmax has been making this ac noise too when it sits for a day or two. I actually caught it on camera. Dealer can’t do anything without it being recreated. Of course it won’t do it for them.

 

Did you show them the vid?

 

The video does not show the source of the noise. I set my phone on the engine bay while I turned the ac on. It does however capture the sound and the engine jolting when the ac is engaged. The tech thinks it might be the ac clutch.

 

I have a 2019 Platinum, mine did the same thing yesterday. We have had the truck for 3 months or so and this is the first time it was noticed.

 

Add me to the list. 21 with 4700km. Does it when starting up and leaving it in auto or turning the ac on after starting it. Only happens after it sits awhile.

 

Purchased mine new in December and it makes the same noise under the same circumstances as everyone else. Only 3k on it.

 

Has anyone gotten a definite answer or a fix from Toyota for this? It's driving me crazy and the noise is bad enough that eventually (a day, a month, a year) something is going to self destruct and send metal flying all over the engine compartment. I too believe that it has something to do with the A/C compressor clutch.

 

Unfortunately "Big Blue" has the same problem. I have an appointment on wed 9/22. I plan to park it at the dealership on Monday to allow proper sitting time. I will let everyone know if a solution is reached. Lord willing not a big issue.
God bless.

 

Went to dealership today. The noise did not recreate. Mechanic explained that the ambient temperature today being only 65 and low humidity may have something to do with it not happening. He said the pressure in the system on hot humid days may cause the ac clutch to engage hard on first use after sitting. They noted and would check if Toyota has any info about it. They said I could bring it back or record it with the hood up and someone else turning on the ac. Will update any news

 

So just curious. I noticed on first start in the mornings my truck will give this "vvrrrrrmmm" sound a few times as I'm pulling out. It sounds like a vibration but can't feel it. It then stops after just a few seconds. Is this similar to what is being discussed in here?

 

It's 83 today and truck sat for two days. Made noise when started ac. Got it an video. Trying to upload, won't let me

 

Upload it to YouTube then post a link here.

 

21' Limited here.....my A/C also makes the hard clunk sound, seems it does it when the the AC system is shut off at last engine shutdown and when turning on the AC after starting the engine...... "CLUNK"

 

It sounds more like a grind than the clunk as usual, but this is my first time hearing under the hood.

https://youtube.com/shorts/RFIxoOK-Guc?feature=share

 

Hey all. Took my truck in this week. Left it for a day but of coarse it was not long enough and it didn't happen. Met up with the shop forman and had a good chat explaining what the noise was and how embarrassing it is on a new truck. To my surprise they agreed and replaced the ac compressor and clutch. Time will tell now if it still does it and if it comes back. Will keep everyone updated.

 

Well..... Its still there with all new stuff. Guess I'll carry on

 

Sorry to hear that but it's honestly about what I was expecting. No way every single Tundra has a bad compressor and clutch.

 

Dang sorry to hear that

 

Exact same here, but I have had other cars do it so im not too worried at this point.

 

The service advisor showed the video to the manager and he said it has to be the compressor. They are looking into if there is multiple part numbers for a replacement. I also sent them a link to this thread.

 

Same issue here on my 2016. I hadn't noticed it happening till this summer. I was driving down a steep hill and had downshifted to use engine braking so the engine was turning at probably 3K RPM and I turned the A/C on. It sounded like someone running their fingers up and down wooden louvers, a flap flap flap flap sound, that didn't quit until I turned off the A/C. Turning it back on, it was fine.
Then a few times I would turn the A/C on after turning out of my neighborhood and it makes a heck of a racket if I'm accelerating (engine at 2000-3000RPM) and will actually cause the engine to bog/stumble but only lasts a second, like what others have posted in videos.

Once when I left the engine running and got out to do something, I noticed when the compressor would cycle on, there would be a rattle, kinda like shaking a golf ball in a coffee can for a second. I had my kid turn the A/C on and off while I watched under the hood and saw the tensioner pulley closest to the compressor wobble fore and aft so I think that's the source of the rattle sound. That makes me wonder if, when the compressor first turns on, the belt is trying to find another path of least resistance and slams that tensioner.

Mine did it again today when the outside temperature was 37deg F. I let the truck warm up for about 2-3 minutes with just the heater fan running. Realized I'd fogged up the windshield and so I switched it over to defrost and bang. So it's not only warm temps.

The video a few posts above was taken on the driver's side but I can't quite see the compressor and tensioner that is on the passenger side. I'll see if I can get a video of mine and see if my hunch on the tensioner slamming around is the culprit.

 

Great post. Really looking forward to seeing your video on the tensioner.

Mine does this sometimes. I can’t quite replicate it but maybe with your video I can try to duplicate.

 

So has my 2021. It happens if the truck sits for a day or two or more then you turn the AC on. Its a grinding loud noise. Only does it when first turned on. After that, there is no noise. Its only if it sits for a while.

 

On my 2020 SR5 I have the same loud, clunking, metal on metal sound on start up with AC already on (from when I shut it off). Only happens after truck has sat for 24+ hours. Has been that way since day one. My previous 2017 did the same thing. Never had any issues. Like another poster said, our Tundras make lots of noises. I actually like all the mechanical noise, with the reliability also of course.