98 frontier making strange noise

[tman2004]

The ac compressor makes a loud noise when it is kicking on, when I am idle. If I am driving normal it doesn't do it. Anyone had this problem? It is a 4cyl, 1998, 4x4. Thanks for the help.

[devious1]

What does the noise sound like?

[codyfrontier]

got the same problem but haven't isolated it yet. do you feel a slight drag on the motor w/ ac and engine idle?

[slow95tsi]

I would think your A/C clutch is going bad if it only makes the noise when the compressor cycles.

[Delta]

My 2004 with the KA will give a nice "CLUNK!" when you first kick it on. Did it since I bought it, it even did it when I turned on the heat. I don't really use the A/C anyways (even though I live in the South ) so I don't worry too much about it

[loopydoo]

it is probably the compressor/clutch, however i wouldn't really worry about it until it kicks if that is what it is. just have some cash set aside for a new compressor so that when it does die, you're covered. mine has made noise when the compressor cycles (a light clunk, sometimes accompanied by a little bit of belt chirp occasionally) and has done so since i bought the truck 2 1/2 years ago. i'm positive that's what my problem is, but it's working fine except for the clunk so until it quits on me, i'll let it go. but then again, i'm a tech at a dealership, so replacing it is no big deal. i just don't see the point of buying new parts until this one finally kicks. having said that, without seeing/hearing your truck, it's hard to say for certain, it could be a number of things. if it bothers you, i'd take it in and have it looked at.