i have noticed that when i run the a/c, there is an abnormal amount of popping and cracking, which seems to be coming from the passenger side. it always does it when the a/c is on but it gets kind of annoying on a trip or something. it sounds like a vent opening or closing, such as when you switch from recirculate to outside air. every 10 or 15 seconds, i hear this popping sound and sometimes there is a clicking sound both of which seem to be coming from the direction of the passenger side near the glove box.

the a/c blows very cold and teh speed on the fan is strong-i'm just not used to the continued noise from the use of the a/c. my 97 didn't do that.

any ideas?

 

I hear those sounds too but not that ofthen. Not sure what is wrong with yours though.

Mine i just hear it when the temp changes and the Climate control adjusts.

 

Wow your A/C Talks back to you, I know people say their cars have personalities
and Im not one to argure but thats rediculous. The only thing I can think of is to talk back

But in all seriousness, it may just be that you are running out of A/c coolant, or you have a leak in your A/C hose, probably nothing bad.

 

Check the hamster wheel(blower fan) for debris, it's located directly below the glovebox.
(LINK)

 

yep also know as the squirrel cage. its probably got crap in it.. take your glove box out and its right there. very easy job to do and you should clean it once a year.. i should practice what i preach haha, i have never cleaned mine out. only bc i keep forgetting about it. but thats where iwould look first.

 

tell it to be quiet...
mine does that to but not quite as often as you make it sound. i just turn up my stereo

 

A/C coolant? Do I need to do a flush or something? Just ribbing ya... back on topic. Do you have automatic climate control? If so then it may be the blend doors adjusting for temperature. I'd check for binding on the cables and/or actuators (whatever it is Toyota uses). I've had a few of those on GM Suburbans and Tahoes and instead of charging too much for replacing them I've had much luck with lubing the actuator door travel guides.

 

does it only do it when its on the coldest setting?

mine does this as well, but as soon as i turn it up just a bit (to where the arrow is perpendicular to the floor) it goes away and stays gone, sound familiar?

 

He has a limited, so no arrows/dials. It is all digital. But same princeable should work.

 

that's great info guys...much appreciated. i will start with cleaning the blower motor (since i should anyway) then check for binding of the cables to the auto climate.

 

Careful when you do this. There is usually a somewhere on the cage. Do NOT take this off as it will throw the balance of the blower motor and you will have the most annoying rattle or whining noise. I've had a few "do-it-yourself" customers that have taken the clip off and wonder why it's making more noises than to begin with.

 

this noise is the expansion valve opening and closing, and therefore stopping and allowing the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator coil. this is probably a good indication that you are slightly low on refrigerant.