Rattle with A/C on - LotusTalk

lotusland · 07-01-2009, 01:35 PM

I have searched for this issue but can't find any other reports of it. When my A/C is turned on, and only when the A/C is on, I have a bad rattle noise that seems to come from the right side of the cabin. It is pretty loud and happens at roughly 2k-4k RPM of the engine. Has anyone run into this before? So far I have not been able to pinpoint where it is coming from, I can't even determine if it coming from the dash area or perhaps the engine.

Appreciate any help!

TheViper · 07-01-2009, 01:46 PM

Is the noise present only when the A/C is on, or with it off, and only the fan blower on.
Michael

111Geek · 07-01-2009, 02:27 PM

I have a similar rattle. It didn't exist originally, but showed up after ~2 years. I figure something dropped into the nearly inaccessible area below the fuse box and rattles along the floor pan.

lotusland · 07-01-2009, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

Is the noise present only when the A/C is on, or with it off, and only the fan blower on.
Michael

Only with the A/C on. If I turn the A/C (compressor) off and leave the fan on, the sound goes away. It tracks the A/C 100%.

TheViper · 07-01-2009, 03:00 PM

You might want to check the compressor in the engine bay and the cooling fans up front.
Michael

LARRY · 07-01-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 111Geek

I have a similar rattle. It didn't exist originally, but showed up after ~2 years. I figure something dropped into the nearly inaccessible area below the fuse box and rattles along the floor pan.

I have this too when I go around turns fast.

NOT air conditioner related though.

RichS · 07-01-2009, 03:31 PM

It is coming from the side of the car. There is a line that runs along the passenger side of the side sill that is now vibrating enough to hit the side sill. Take out your side scoop and put a piece of hose around the line and it should stop the noise.

lotusland · 07-02-2009, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichS

It is coming from the side of the car. There is a line that runs along the passenger side of the side sill that is now vibrating enough to hit the side sill. Take out your side scoop and put a piece of hose around the line and it should stop the noise.

This sounds right. I was just working in the sill area and may have moved something around. Also, the sound is very uncentralized -- it could be emanating from the length of the sill.

I'll post again after I check it out. Thank you!

LotoMoto · 07-02-2009, 11:46 AM

I've got the EXACT problem with my 06. I'll try the side vent inspection/modification as well.

RichS · 07-11-2009, 04:28 AM

Just got mine fixed. It turns out that there was a loose nut accessible from the passenger side front wheel well. With the nut night tightened down all the way the rattle has gone. I've also had the AC line that runs through the side sill rattle against the frame. Both issues are addressed now.

elikdiaz · 07-15-2009, 12:46 PM

Hey guys I had posted the same exact noise on my O6 Elise recently. Its annoying as heck. I havent been able to check the AC line. Did this work for you and how easy or hard is it to remove the side scoop? Also will putting something on the line all the way near the scoop help the noise when it seems to come up from closer to the front?

Lotusmotion · 07-15-2009, 01:41 PM

I had this issue with my '06 Exige. It was corrected under warranty and was a relatively common problem. I recall that the a/c lines were zip tied into place to prevent them from vibrating (resulting in the rattle sound) under certain conditions.

elikdiaz · 07-15-2009, 05:57 PM

Can anyone tell me how to remove the side scoop to access this? I dont want to accidentally break it by removing it incorrectly. Thanks.

407Driver · 07-15-2009, 07:28 PM

Dont know about the side scoop? I fixed the rattle by removing the undertray, you can see the lines coming from the engine bay and enter the sill just in front of the rear wheel, a few tie wraps and some of that foam ac tube insulation stuffed into the sill cured it.

07-01-2009, 01:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
lotusland Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 178 Images: 7	Rattle with A/C on I have searched for this issue but can't find any other reports of it. When my A/C is turned on, and only when the A/C is on, I have a bad rattle noise that seems to come from the right side of the cabin. It is pretty loud and happens at roughly 2k-4k RPM of the engine. Has anyone run into this before? So far I have not been able to pinpoint where it is coming from, I can't even determine if it coming from the dash area or perhaps the engine. Appreciate any help!

07-01-2009, 01:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,190	Is the noise present only when the A/C is on, or with it off, and only the fan blower on. Michael __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

07-01-2009, 03:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,190	You might want to check the compressor in the engine bay and the cooling fans up front. Michael __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

07-01-2009, 03:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	It is coming from the side of the car. There is a line that runs along the passenger side of the side sill that is now vibrating enough to hit the side sill. Take out your side scoop and put a piece of hose around the line and it should stop the noise. __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

07-02-2009, 11:46 AM	#9 (permalink)
LotoMoto Idiot Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Portsmouth Virginia Posts: 21 Images: 5	I've got the EXACT problem with my 06. I'll try the side vent inspection/modification as well. __________________ 2006 EliseTouring PackPremium PackSport PackHardtopLSDTraction ControlStarshield-Chrome OrangeOHLINS Coil-Over-Springs 2001 Chevy Tahoe SUV 2007 SugarSand Tango SS

07-01-2009, 02:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
111Geek Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mississippi Posts: 108 Images: 1	I have a similar rattle. It didn't exist originally, but showed up after ~2 years. I figure something dropped into the nearly inaccessible area below the fuse box and rattles along the floor pan.

07-11-2009, 04:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	Just got mine fixed. It turns out that there was a loose nut accessible from the passenger side front wheel well. With the nut night tightened down all the way the rattle has gone. I've also had the AC line that runs through the side sill rattle against the frame. Both issues are addressed now. __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

07-15-2009, 12:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
elikdiaz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 64	AC rattle result? Hey guys I had posted the same exact noise on my O6 Elise recently. Its annoying as heck. I havent been able to check the AC line. Did this work for you and how easy or hard is it to remove the side scoop? Also will putting something on the line all the way near the scoop help the noise when it seems to come up from closer to the front?

07-15-2009, 01:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
Lotusmotion Keep it simple and real Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 925	I had this issue with my '06 Exige. It was corrected under warranty and was a relatively common problem. I recall that the a/c lines were zip tied into place to prevent them from vibrating (resulting in the rattle sound) under certain conditions. __________________ '06 Exige - Ph. Black/Touring/Track/LSD/TC/SS. Mods: corner balanced - RTD brace - Manly's inserts - decambered - Pagid Blacks - Motul fluid - tow hooks - Schroth belts - extinguisher - AIM timer - Green Filter - Larini - oil temp & pressure gauges - AO48s & Rotas on track - T1Rs & OEM wheels on street - rear camera & monitor - Stebel horn - speakers upgraded, sub & iPod controller - DRL disable switch - aux. fuse panel - sill pockets - leather console - Bootie - roof scoop functional.

07-15-2009, 05:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
elikdiaz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 64	Can anyone tell me how to remove the side scoop to access this? I dont want to accidentally break it by removing it incorrectly. Thanks.

07-15-2009, 07:28 PM	#14 (permalink)
407Driver Live from the Bubble Room Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tejas Posts: 143	Dont know about the side scoop? I fixed the rattle by removing the undertray, you can see the lines coming from the engine bay and enter the sill just in front of the rear wheel, a few tie wraps and some of that foam ac tube insulation stuffed into the sill cured it. __________________ "Never leave well enough alone" Raymond Loewy

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