newTo996

When stationary or moving at low rpm's, I get a whining sound out of my air conditioner. Any ideas on what this could be?

Macster

Low on refrigerant can make the thing noisy. The compressor accessory drive bearing could be going bad. Rare, but doesn't mean it can't happen.

Since when the A/C is switched on the radiator fans are also switched on the noise can be from a radiator fan motor.

If the cabin vent fan was off with the A/C being switched on this runs of course an it if a falling...

There is also a small fan in the dash supposedly behind the small circular grill on the right hand side of the dash that circulates cabin air over a temp sensor which is used as an input to the heater/AC system. If this small fan motor is acting up...

It would probably save you time and trouble to enlist some help in more precisely locating the source of the noise. Knowing where exactly the noise is coming from goes a long way in helping one know what is wrong.

Know how to produce the noise then get the car on the lift and give a listen. Be careful under the car. Exhaust pipes get hot PDQ and there's a belt running around that if you stick your hand in it...a whining noise will be the least of your problems.

5CHN3LL

Several people have mentioned that the clutch on the AC compressor whines/makes noise, and I recall a thread from a 996 owner whose compressor clutch failed completely. Might be worth checking out. An IR thermometer might help you see if the clutch is generating a lot of heat...

Raider145

I had the same issue after I bought my 996. Checked the fan up under the passenger side footwell and cabin air filter to ensure there was no blockage.

I wound up getting a $20 AC re-charge kit from AutoZone and that did the trick. One year later and no whining or whistling from the AC.

996pp

You have to be careful not to overfill with the AutoZone recharge kits. If the system gets overfilled the pump shuts down so it doesn't burn itself out. Ask me I know LOL