air conditioner started making loud screeching noise and started only blowing hot air, then the noise stopped but still only blows

The air conditioner stopped working about 2 weeks ago after making a loud noise and started only blowing hot air. The noise then stopped but the air conditioner is still only blowing hot air and the noise hasn't come back. Also, we just had to replace the thermostat but the a/c stopped working before that was a problem

My car has 62000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The noise is possibly from a failed compressor clutch or the compressor itself is faulty. Another possibility is the pulley bearing on the front of the compressor has failed. The issue should be fairly evident to the inspecting mechanic after some simple tests. To resolve this, the recommended diagnostic is an a/c system inspection. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If your air conditioning unit is emitting a high-pitched screeching or hissing sound, the most likely cause is high pressure built up in your compressor. If this is the case, the sound will most likely be heard outside at the unit when the AC first kicks on and will last about 10-15 seconds.
A car A/C blowing hot air is often the result of a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a liquid that circulates through your car`s A/C system, expanding and contracting as it removes heat and humidity from the cabin. None of the other A/C components will function correctly without proper refrigerant levels.
AC Buzzing Noise. If you`re hearing a car AC compressor noise while accelerating, or a buzzing noise when you first turn on your car`s air conditioner, you may have too much Freon in your system.
Broken Compressor Springs

The compressor is within a hermetic seal, along with a refrigerant pump. This refrigerant pump is mounted with support springs. Once a spring breaks, the pump can`t hold itself up anymore and knocks against the compressor`s casing, creating a slamming noise.

How to fix a squealing AC. Using a motor lubricant or spray lubricant on the motor shaft can temporarily relieve the noise. This, however, is not a permanent fix and the problem should be tended to by an AC repair professional as soon as possible.
Worn Bearings

Inside the motor are bearings that can wear out over time, especially when they`re not regularly lubricated as a part of preventative maintenance. As the system operates on these worn bearings, you`ll hear your AC condenser fan squealing, which can be quite loud.

A worn bearing will produce a high pitched squealing or grinding sound, while a seized bearing will produce a grinding noise or a noticeable belt squeal. Due to the complexity and nature of how compressors are assembled, it is usually easiest to replace the entire compressor instead of attempting a repair.
The most common reason for squeaking in most AC units is a faulty compressor. The compressor is one of the most important parts of an air conditioner because it`s the part that delivers the refrigerant throughout the unit, and that`s what cools the air in a room.
If a noisy air conditioner compressor makes hissing or screaming sounds, turn the system off immediately. Excessive internal pressures may be building up within the unit, making it dangerously unsafe to operate. A hissing sound likely signals a refrigerant leak; the louder the hiss, the bigger the problem.
If you hear loud buzzing noises from your air conditioner, it`s likely malfunctioning. Typically, the issue is either loose parts, missing or broken isolation feet, refrigerant leaks, or a malfunctioning compressor. Every part of your air conditioner works together to keep your home cool in warm temperatures.
While it is normal for your heating and air conditioning system to make some noise when it is operating due to moving parts, it isn`t so natural if you feel the need to take a step back and cover your ears. A really loud noise when you turn on your A/C could mean it is in need of some repairs.
In short, common issues that can cause an air conditioning unit fan to stop spinning are electrical issues, problems with the capacitor, contactor issues, a burnt out air conditioner motor, a broken fan belt, or clogged air filter.
The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last about 12-15 years. Learning what crucial components, and how to maintain the compressor, can keep your AC running efficiently for its entire lifespan.
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
Compressor noise

A failing compressor may also make a knocking sound whenever the compressor turns on or off. The loud humming or buzzing sound usually means the compressor motor is failing, while a knocking sound indicates the compressor motor is not secure within the compressor, which causes the knocking sound.

While it is normal for your heating and air conditioning system to make some noise when it is operating due to moving parts, it isn`t so natural if you feel the need to take a step back and cover your ears. A really loud noise when you turn on your A/C could mean it is in need of some repairs.
If your air conditioner is making a whistling noise inside your house, take a look at your filter. As your AC unit`s fan pulls air into the unit to cool down, if there is enough debris in the filter, the air is forced through a narrow opening. In that way, the air filter makes a whistling noise.
The good news is, AC making loud noise or vibrating more intensely is a common complaint. And there are ways to easily fix them through a trained professional. It is also common for your compressor to make a little bit of noise. But if your AC is more noisy than normal, there might be a problem with your compressor.
While it is normal for your heating and air conditioning system to make some noise when it is operating due to moving parts, it isn`t so natural if you feel the need to take a step back and cover your ears. A really loud noise when you turn on your A/C could mean it is in need of some repairs.
If your air conditioner is making a whistling noise inside your house, take a look at your filter. As your AC unit`s fan pulls air into the unit to cool down, if there is enough debris in the filter, the air is forced through a narrow opening. In that way, the air filter makes a whistling noise.
The good news is, AC making loud noise or vibrating more intensely is a common complaint. And there are ways to easily fix them through a trained professional. It is also common for your compressor to make a little bit of noise. But if your AC is more noisy than normal, there might be a problem with your compressor.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

air conditioner started making loud screeching noise and started only blowing hot air, then the noise stopped but still only blows
ANSWER : The noise is possibly from a failed compressor clutch or the compressor itself is faulty. Another possibility is the pulley bearing on the front of the compressor has failed. The issue should be fairly evident to the inspecting mechanic after some simple tests. To resolve this, the recommended diagnostic is an a/c system inspection. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

When idling, car overheats and A/C blows hot air – 2001 Saturn L100
ANSWER : Hello. The most likely cause of the issue that your are having would be a faulty cooling fan. The cooling fans purpose is to keep the radiator and condenser for the air conditioning cool during the idling function of the vehicle.

If the cooling fan is not working, this will cause the radiator and condenser to get very hot. When the radiator and condenser get hot, this can cause the vehicle to overheat and the air conditioning not to work. When the vehicle is driving at higher speeds, the force of air that is created towards the vehicle will flow through the radiator and condenser and therefore keep them cool. I would recommend having the cooling fan checked to make sure that it is working properly. If not, I would recommend having the cooling fan replaced.

While driving defroster set to hot blows hot air as it should, while idling it is blowing cold air.
ANSWER : First, the coolant level should be checked to make sure the radiator is full. While the overflow tank may be full, the radiator cap must be taken off to check the level inside the radiator. If you find the level is very low, you have a coolant leak that must be fixed. If coolant levels are normal, an engine thermostat or heater control problem may be what you’re experiencing. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at your lack of heat concern to offer a more personal diagnosis.

Air conditioner blowing hot air. Then fan was running low then sped up to high.
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you have a low refrigerant charge; your AC system has a low charge. This is usually caused by a leak in the system. This low state of charge can cause insufficient cooling, thus the hot or cool air and not cold air is coming out of the vents. The fan running low then speeding up is normal as the AC system is being used; the high speed fan is what cools the refrigerant in the system. I believe you may have a leak in your AC system that needs to be checked. YourMechanic has several qualified technicians that can perform an AC system inspection to properly diagnose the concern at the comfort of your home or office.

Air conditioner blows hot air. 1995 Mercedes-Benz E300
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 1995 Mercedes-Benz E550. This could be a variety of issues, such as no pressure or low refrigerant levels, a bad compressor clutch, or a compressor not engaging correctly. Check to see if the cooling fans are on when the AC is running. Most systems are designed to have them run when the AC is on. Also, check to be sure the compressor is engaged. Look to see if the pulley is spinning when the car is running with the AC on. If you need help with this, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the AC system and pinpoint the necessary repair.

My 2003 Hyundai air conditioning works fine but often starts blowing hot air, especially when idling.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a condenser fan that may not be cooling the AC condenser properly. As you may know, the job of the AC condenser fan is to cool down the AC condenser as it generates a lot of heat during the course of its primary function, which is to convert the AC gas refrigerant into a liquid form, a process that generates a significant amount of heat. As the AC condenser fan blows cool air across the condenser, this allows the condenser to remain cool, keeping the pressure down in the AC system which helps to generate cooler air. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.

Air conditioner blowing warm air. Heat blowing warm air. Neither hot or cold
ANSWER : If the A/C system is full and pressures are reading correctly, and the cooling system is in proper working order (thermostat opens, no overheating, etc.), then most likely the problem lies with the dash. The climate control head unit may be at fault. One or more blend doors behind the dash may be stuck or broken. If you’re unable to fix this issue yourself, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technician can come diagnose the issue with your A/C firsthand and help you fix it accordingly.

air conditioner works on 2002 honda odyssey however makes an extremely loud noise local mechanic took out a fuse the noise stopped
ANSWER : Hi there. Thanks for writing into YourMechanic.com. It is quite possible that the AC compressor is the source of the loud noise you are hearing with your Honda Odyssey. Typically when the compressor begins to fail, it’s an inner bearing that is essentially grinding that causes the noise. If you would like to receive a price estimate to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete the AC compressor replacement, please click this link, then click the Get a Quote blue button. Once we receive your information, we’ll send you a quote. Thanks!