QuestionI have a 2004 Nissan Altima. When I turned on the airconditioning this morning, it seemed as though the whole dashboard started to shake. I turnded off the airconditioning and the shakeing subsided. I turned it on again and the same shaking occured followed by a shrieking sound. I turnd it off and the 3rd time I turnded it on, the airconditioner did not respond.
AnswerGary,
WOW. Impressive. My first question to you is where was the noise coming from? Was the shreaking inside the cab or inside the engine compartment? If it was inside the cab, the only thing that could cause this is your fan. It sounds as though it had come loose, thrown off balance (causing the vibration) and started beating up on everything inside the fan housing (casuing the noise.)
If it came from under the hood, that woul dlead me to believe that your compressor clutch engaged, your compressor locked up, not allowing the pulley to turn, and the belt began dragging across the pulley, causing the noise. The extra drag on your engine from trying to turn the compressor caused all of the vibration.
I would highly recommend that you take it to have your compressor checked out. Do not be surprised if they tell you that is needs replaced and that it will run in the neighborhood of 600-1000 dollars.
Thank you for your question and I hope I was of some assistance. If I can do anything further now or in the future, do not hesitate to ask. If you found this response useful please remember to rate this answer. Thanks again and good luck in everything.
