Jun 2, 2014
yobigd20 as the 2nd summer I've owned the car approaches, it's that time again to resurrect the stupidly loud AC compressor. It's so loud, it's embarrassing, and I refuse to turn it on. It sounds awful. I feel like I'm driving in a crappy 4 cylinder Honda with a huge muffler exhaust. soooooo embarrassing. I've complained about it in the past to SC which responded that 'they are looking into it'. that was June of `13 to Norristown SC. I think in August of `13 I complained again to Queens SC. same response.
from the responses I've got from the service centers last year, tesla was looking into this but has no TSB/no "fix" for it yet. I know there was a TON of others (pretty much everyone) also saying the same thing. then winter came around and all the complaints stopped. for a while. clearly bc nobody was using their AC anymore.
well now it's June again. and there's probably about 20k more Teslas on the road since last June. I would imagine the number of complaints about this is going to skyrocket. and there's been a few hot enough days where I needed to turn the AC on. then I was immediately reminded of the issue and embarrassed of that sound in the parking lot so I quickly shut it off as to not attract any attention.
so what is Tesla doing about this? are they ever going to fix this or am I just never going to use my AC ever again? or perhaps somebody knows a third party AC compressor that's quiet that we can start doing aftermarket AC compressor swaps if Tesla refuses to fix the problem? and no, i'm not looking for the "precool the car to mitigate the sound while you're driving" or "turn range mode on to limit the power" responses. I want a real hardware fix so I can use my AC when driving without looking like a chump.�
Jun 2, 2014
gg_got_a_tesla Yup, that compressor can sound nasty when working hard. Mentioned it on my first service visit a year ago.
Given no choice now, yes, I'm sticking to range mode.�
Jun 2, 2014
chickensevil Newer owner, and yes it is noticeable. I would prefer it didn't make a ton of noise, but even the roadsters made a lot of noise with their A/C... which will actually kick on regardless of if you are using the A/C in the car itself or not, since it also has to cool the batteries.
Honestly, people who have heard it, it made them laugh because they finally HEARD my car. Even your ICE cars have pretty loud A/C compressors. Have you never turned on the A/C in them and heard it? I know my old Civic used to be quite loud for the A/C. I just don't know that there is a lot they can do about it...
Not saying they *shouldn't* do anything... just not holding my breath for a change here.�
Jun 2, 2014
Brightonuk Its only noticeable when stopped the buzzing noise while driving seems to mask it out
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/31150-Buzzing-at-low-speed�
Jun 2, 2014
Skotty The Volt can be quiet loud too. I think the industry never tried to improve on this before because it wasn't all that noticeable in cars where the gas engine was already making noise. Hopefully as we get more and more EVs, they will start developing quieter compressors.
I bet Tesla would design and build their own (I assume they use 3rd party here) if they could come up for air, but I think they are plenty busy with all the other ongoing efforts. Probably just have to live with this for a few more years.�
Jun 2, 2014
efusco #firstworldproblems
A bit louder than I'd like too, but just wasn't even on my radar to complain about. Given the trade-offs/options, I'll take what I've got and enjoy it. Never once been embarrassed in this car, noisy AC or not.�
Jun 2, 2014
ElSupreme Is it just me or does 5.9+ software change the way the compressor works. It sounds like it only goes to ~80% unless you get over about 15-20mph, when it kicks into full power mode.
Still it is loud, but compressing a gas is loud any way you do it. It's better than an embarrassingly hot car IMO.�
Jun 2, 2014
pgiralt ElSupreme, I wondered the same thing. I notice the same thing as you - that it seems to get louder once you're moving and then slows down when you're stopped and I don't remember it doing that last summer, but I only got my car last August, so I didn't get much summer time.�
Jun 2, 2014
dave I have the same complaint. When it kicks into "turbo" mode, I turn the climate control off and then back on again, and that often works to quiet it for a while.
I have no idea what is happening mechanically when I do this, or if it is a good idea, but it solves the problem temporarily...�
Jun 2, 2014
mark I have complained about this since last summer, and my local service center told me that they were testing a cover for the compressor that significantly dampens the noise. He saw a demo and said the difference was substantial. I doubt it will be available for this summer though - just have to remember to precool the car to avoid this embarrassment.�
Jun 2, 2014
FlasherZ I agree the compressor can be loud - I've had someone ask me if I knew I left the car running when pre-cooling the cabin. That said, in other cars even when the sound is masked by the engine, I can hear the compressor clutch and compressor making their noises above the engine's noise.
I don't believe that our cars need to be 100% stealth-silent, and in many cases they may be a significant trade-off. Would you accept a piston-based compressor that would consume far more energy if it were quieter? Would you trade less compressor noise for yet another fan to cool that alternative compressor?
I've found the compressor noise is significant when it's working at top speed to cool a 125 degree car, but once things cool down and we're underway, it's background noise to me.
Even the cars on the Jetsons still made noise.
�
Jun 2, 2014
yobigd20 I don't mind some minor noise, but I do mind the existing loud compressor that makes it sound like I have a cheap 25yr old 4cylinder honda engine under the hood that's breathing it's last breath before its about to keel over and die type sound.�
Jun 2, 2014
FlasherZ I imagine the threads would then complain about range loss due to the high-power-draw compressor, or the frunk space loss due to the acoustic cover... I suspect it's a collection of trade-offs, or Tesla would have a new manufacturer lined up.�
Jun 2, 2014
AmpedRealtor How can a compressor noise, or any normal noise emanating from a car, be "embarrassing"? This must be the first AC compressor in history that makes someone feel ashamed. That's not the response I had, not by a long shot. I've had my car for over 9 months. The compressor is loud because there is no engine noise masking the compressor. There is nothing abnormal about the noise itself. Cars make noises. So do EVs, for that matter. Just because our cars are electric doesn't mean they will always be silent in every circumstance. Cars make noises.
The first time I heard the AC compressor, I thought "oh hey, that's the AC. Cool." I never assigned a negative emotional value to that noise. It's a normal noise. Just like the vacuum pump coming on when you tap your brake pedal. Or the car making a similar noise while it re-levels itself when you exist. Living in AZ, I'm thankful the Model S has such a powerful AC.�
Jun 2, 2014
DrComputer As other's have said this has been an issue since the Roadster days. My previous car, a Lexus LS600hL, was a hybrid and also had an all electric A/C compressor. It was nearly silent at full speed so there ARE quiet A/C compressors available. Tesla just needs to use their relationship with Toyota (Lexus) and source the compressor they use in the LS600hL.�
Jun 2, 2014
pete8314 I'm with Yobigd20 on this, it is very loud, and while I agree it's a first world problem, one of the cool things about the car is it's near silence when rolling away, but at this time of the year in Tx, no A/C is not an option. I park next to a Volt at work every day, and if we happen to leave at the same time, the Volt rolls away more or less silently (electrical motor noise, but not a rattly AC), and I roll away with the usual AC noise, that really just sounds like there's a misbalanced fan blade, but either way, it's noisy, and definitely takes away from the cool, efficient image that the Model S has.�
Jun 2, 2014
yobigd20 yes, actually it sounds like a computer fan going bad, but a really loud version of it. lol�
Jun 2, 2014
FlasherZ Sure, there are silent all-electric compressors available -- I have one in my refrigerator which hums very quietly. But as I mentioned, there are trade-offs -- does it take up a much larger amount of space with insulation, does it use up 2x, 3x, or even 4x the range of the one used by Tesla?
Would you still accept a quieter compressor if it had a 50% or 100% higher effect on range instead of its current value?
Would you still accept a quieter compressor if you lost .5 cu ft in the frunk?
What if it added another $500-1000 to the price?
I'm happy with the trade-offs they made, I don't mind a highly-efficient scroll compressor that makes that much noise for the first few minutes while cooling the car down. It does it fairly rapidly, then settles down pretty quickly. Cooling performance is much better compared to a piston compressor that must be cycled.
I can appreciate the desire for a quieter compressor, but it's low on the priority list for me behind power consumption minimization and space maximization in the frunk. If they can accomplish it without sacrificing those elements, I'm all for it.�
Jun 2, 2014
mknox Mine is quite loud as well. I don't know about embarrassing, but I did have someone come up to me saying my car's "engine" sounds awful! Mine is so loud I find it hard to believe an ICE would mask it. It's a MUCH louder sound than everything under the hood of my last car made.
As a result, I pretty much use Range mode exclusively. It actually works pretty well, but keeps the "jet engine on takeoff" sound at bay. I just wish Range wouldn't limit the fan speed to 8.�
Jun 2, 2014
AnOutsider The Model S is a quiet car, so I'm sure (like other manufacturers) Tesla took the time to work on NVH when developing the car. Road noise is loud, but not as loud as it could be, because they've done work to mitigate this.
Sorry, I refuse to accept "this is just the way it is" because all cars do it -- especially when discussing Tesla.�
Jun 2, 2014
cinergi I've never heard the AC of an ICE be anywhere near as loud. To me, this isn't like the vacuum pump for the brakes or some other random noise -- it's so much louder. Heck even driving an ICE is less disturbing to listen to than the racket this AC puts out. It's not horrible inside the cabin (it's not great) but it's pretty crazy outside the cabin. The pitch / makeup of the noise is perhaps the worst component (versus the decibels involved).�
Jun 2, 2014
dsm363 Without engine noise everything seems louder. Means Tesla will have to work harder than most to lessen this sound. Additional sound dampening material maybe?�
Jun 2, 2014
Gizmotoy I got my Model S at the end of the hot season last year, so I didn't really work the AC too much. This year my experience has been much like yours. Indeed, I fully believed my AC to be broken and reduced its usage substantially. Then I saw this thread with a lot of the same complaints, particularly that cycling the compressor off and then on again usually fixes it. I made a video and sent it to my SC. They said they put some parts on order for me that will reduce the harmonic vibrations being caused by the compressor, and that I could continue to use the AC until that time without damaging it. That's been a few weeks now, and the parts are still on order.
I'd have agreed with you until my car started doing it. It is LOUD. I heard it from across the parking lot when I used the app to cool the car remotely. Thinking the same as you, I sat my Tesla next to my Evo which has a nearly straight-through exhaust and a belt-driven AC compressor, and the Tesla's compressor was undeniably louder than the Evo's engine+exhaust(at idle)+compressor. I think it must vibrate at the resonant frequency of something under the hood, amplifying the sound, which would explain why it can go away by "turning it off and then on again." The frequency changes slightly and all is good.
I had a pedestrian at a crosswalk ask if my car was OK. So, yes, perhaps a little embarrassing.�
Jun 2, 2014
AmpedRealtor I'm not saying it isn't loud from the outside. I'm just saying that I've always considered it one of the more or less "normal" noises put out by this car. The AC doesn't just cool the cabin interior, it also cools a very large battery. So it has to be quite powerful to handle both simultaneously. I don't think comparisons to other, quieter ACs in other cars is a fair comparison. No other car has over 7,000 lithium ion cells to cool in addition to keeping passengers comfortable.�
Jun 2, 2014
Gizmotoy I don't know if you were responding to me in particular, but I wouldn't say the car in my example is quiet. When importing it to the state it was found to be just under the legal limit for exhaust volume in CA. My wife thought it was hilarious the car I race and is barely street legal because of all the noise it makes was quieter than my Tesla with the AC on.
In any case, Tesla seems to have acknowledged that it's not supposed to sound like this and that they have a fix, so it's safe to say it's not a "normal noise put out by this car".
Of course, there is the other possibility that your car's not actually making this noise. The AC is loud when it's working normally, but it's clearly normal compressor noise. When it gets in this unusual state it is something completely different. It doesn't even sound the same.�
Jun 2, 2014
William13 It is louder than any standard new sedan ICE at idle I have ever heard.
It needs to be fixed.
Unfortunately mine was quiet until recently "fixed" due to an error message.�
Jun 2, 2014
cinergi Wrt how powerful it needs to be - the AC on an RV or a bus (or my central air) is quieter. The output requirement doesn't dictate the loudness (I understand the space constraints involved here which come into play yes but it's still reasonable to engineer a quieter system given those constraints).
I get what you're saying - to a point. However, if we just listen to the percentage of people unhappy with the noise, there's clearly an issue.
(Btw I appreciate your input and candor. I'm not trying to gang up on you�
Jun 2, 2014
chickensevil That might be it then, there might be two crowds of people without realizing it. Those who think the "normal" sound is too loud, and those who are actually hearing something far worse with their car, and it becomes REALLY loud haha! Hopefully they can fix it for you!�
Jun 2, 2014
trils0n My AC is certainly embarrassingly loud when running at full power. It sometimes drowns out the Mustangs and pick-ups with aftermarket exhaust next to me. Sounds terrible, and the vibration can be felt through the brake pedal, steering wheel, and in the passenger seat. Was told last summer that it was normal, but they are looking on sourcing a new compressor. Is there a fix now?�
Jun 2, 2014
Shumdit
There is a "fix" for this out now. It's a insulating blanket and a different bracket. When I was in last time they installed the blanket, but did not have the bracket. It did not improve the sound and I actually think it might be worse than it was before. I am convinced there is either something (compressor, line, bracket) contacting either the frame or more likely the frunk tub and amplifying the noise now.�
Jun 2, 2014
swegman The compressor in my MB SLK was so loud when the car was idling it sounded like a jet was taking off. As loud, if not louder, as the Tesla.�
Jun 3, 2014
EarlyAdopter There's a TSB now that involves a sound insulating "blanket" and a new bracket to keep the compressor from vibrating.
When I was in two weeks ago for another issue I asked if they had ever come up with a fix, as I had complained last summer and told there was nothing they could do yet at that time. Indeed, yes, they said they have this fix now and they installed them.
It's not been hot enough here to test it fully, but the little I have run the A/C it seems much quieter.�
Jun 3, 2014
jhs_7645 Thanks for the info. Do you have the TSB# (you should have it as part of all the pdf paperwork they gave you after the service visit)?�
Jun 3, 2014
Liz G The way I have handled this is simply to put the car into Eco mode. It take slightly longer to cool the car down, but if your pre-cooling that's not a big issue. The fan is noticeably quieter when in Eco mode.�
Jun 3, 2014
EarlyAdopter From my invoice:
Go forth and get your jet turbines silenced!�
Jun 3, 2014
scaesare Interesting topic... I get the cooling-system ramp up too... but I've always felt I was hearing more of the condenser fan pulling air across the coils through the louvered intake vent more so than the compressor itself (although I can hear/feel that as well)...
Is everybody just lumping all that sound together as "A/C noise"?�
Jun 3, 2014
AnOutsider When I got home yesterday, the noise was so loud my dogs ran out of the garage. I tried to catch it, but only got the tail end:
Dropbox - Monday, Jun 2
IMO, that's louder than an ICE.�
Jun 3, 2014
cinergi No -- the noise in question is a higher pitched buzzing from the compressor; doesn't sound like a fan at all (unless you image shoving a pencil into a high-speed fan).�
Jun 3, 2014
AnOutsider Just to claify my own issue, I don't hear any buzzing or whine. What I hear, and am unhappy with, is the EXTREMELY loud fan runs.�
Jun 3, 2014
yobigd20 ok, so i went out and made a video of it. I turned on the A/C from the passenger side then just walked around the front. It gets louder over time. you can start to hear it around 0:43. it gets louder slowly. then around 2:40 to the end of the video you can easily hear it get louder and louder and LOUDER. sounds ridiculous.
�
Jun 3, 2014
pete8314 Yep, that's the ugly noise! Exactly the same for mine, except it gets ugly faster, but it's hot out there today, 93f air, and 127f inside the car currently.�
Jun 3, 2014
darthvdr Same boat. My wife thought something was really breaking down on the car recently. We contacted SC and they advised that it is normal. Go figure.�
Jun 4, 2014
huntjo Really hope there is a solution for this.
Eco mode isn't quite as bad but last year when I had a full car of people, Eco mode wasn't enough so I had to bust out the embarrassing loud normal AC. It really is more than just fans and a compressor. There is some vibration or whine in there. I took a video and had the service center check it out but they were unable to reproduce. They topped off my coolant and the noise is still there. As bad as ever.
My workaround involves precooling and venting the pano�
Jun 4, 2014
Jeeps17 Anyone else had the acoustic blanket / bracket installed with feedback on efficacy (or lack thereof)?�
Jun 4, 2014
scaesare I'll get the same noise as captured in the video... combo of fan/compressor. It just honestly doesn't bother me that much.
Maybe it's because I realize that not only is the A/C system responsible for cooling the passenger cabin, but it also has to manage 1,500 lbs of thermal mass as represented by the battery pack, and as such there are times when that sucker is going to have to work hard[1]. Have you ever heard the electric fans on an ICE going full-bore after the car is parked?
That having been said, if there's some vibration being transferred to another vehicle component via the compressor housing or coolant lines that can easily be eliminated, or some acoustic shielding that can be retrofitted in, I wouldn't object to quieting it down via thos means.
[1] Yes, I understand that the battery was not likely hot in that video, but there are times when it will represent the significant load on the system.
�
Jun 4, 2014
chickensevil Well I guess this will be what pushes me over the edge to actually get my car serviced again, finally. Since there is a bulletin for it. I need to get a couple other minor things looked at anyway... maybe since I am already over 4,000 miles now, and fast approaching 6,000 I should just wait and get my tires rotated all at the same time haha!�
Jun 4, 2014
cinergi Listening to your video ... yeah - that's fan and not the buzzing you'll hear in yogbid20's video above. That did sound a little excessive on yours; though for me, the buzzing is a far worse noise.�
Jun 4, 2014
pete8314 I get the buzzing/resonance too. The fan noise I think I'd be OK with, that's not an 'ugly' sound. Even when an ICE car cools down after a long run, it's just a big fan noise, but it has an even tone to it. In my head, I think my AC compressor is knocking against some kind of shield, it certainly sounds that way, and it's genuinely very loud in the cabin. Of course, when I asked Service to look at it last year, by the time the car was booked in the weather had cooled down, and it just didn't make that noise.
For me, there's nothing more awesome than silently rolling out my garage, but here in Dallas, that isn't an option from at least April to September. I suspect it's less of a noticeable issue in the more temperate climates where the temp typically sticks below 80-85f/28c.�
Jun 4, 2014
Cobra Kai Do you think that this issue has been or will be addressed for the upcoming Model X? They haven't started production yet, so one would hope that they could correct or minimize the issue from the start. The X will be built off of S platform so there is much to be shared even though it's a much different EV. I really hope we don't have to go down this road a year from now when the X's start rolling out... I only have 3 months of the year where I DON'T use AC. lol�
Jun 4, 2014
pete8314 I have no doubt. As has been said before, the Model S will be the worst production car that Tesla produces, they've learnt so much from it, much of which will go to make the Model X even more amazing.�
Jun 4, 2014
Gizmotoy I doubt they'll let anything like this propagate. As an early X owner, you'll get to handle any early X-specific issues that arise, though.�
Jun 4, 2014
pete8314 *cough* falcon-wing doors *cough*�
Jun 4, 2014
yobigd20 *cough* AWD tire alignment inside edge wear now on FRONT tires too *cough*�
Jun 4, 2014
dpodoll Service center first said noise was normal. Car was in for armor plating. When we picked it up they said they found a service bulletin on the noise, and had installed the new bracket and blanket. Cut the noise down by at least half.�
Jun 4, 2014
ken830 I wish I only had the loud jet-engine-like noise of the AC compressor to complain about. Mine does this really loud squeaking sound as if a bearing is completely worn. It's done this from day-one and the car has been in several times and has never been fixed. This squeaky A/C is ten-times more embarrassing than the jet-engine/vibrating sound that I also have.�
Jun 4, 2014
pete8314 Mine is now booked in for next Tuesday for the shield and AC noise, I'll try to record a before and after.�
Jun 4, 2014
AnOutsider Ken,
I had that last year. As the fan wound down, it would sound like a squeaky wheel. I was told it wasn't actually anything squeaking, but it was pressurized air or something being released from somewhere. I don't remember the exact details, and didn't fully buy it, but winter came and I forgot all about it.
Knock in wood, but so far this year, none of that.�
Jun 4, 2014
rogerkang The air conditioner in my Prius is much quieter and much more effective! The loud buzzing at start up is really annoying and not right at all. And it comes and goes as the car rocks when driving over bumpy surfaces, which indicates that it is due to less than ideal positioning of the compressor. I'm definitely getting this fixed the next time I visit the service center.�
Jun 4, 2014
FlasherZ There is something definitely amplifying the noise, but the "buzzing" you hear is definitely the standard noise made by a variable speed scroll compressor at high RPM. There are several YouTube videos that demonstrate the noise. It's usually masked by a giant fan in home A/C units. When the compressor needs to spin up at that RPM, little you do will be able to silence it completely. Good to hear the blanket and mounting bracket dampens the noise a bit.
- - - Updated - - -
You don't specify which Prius you have, but 2004-2011 models all used a Denso ES18 compressor, rated at 4500W power consumption at max speed. My observation is that the Tesla uses far less power when the compressor is going at full speed, although I don't have the specs on the compressor used (anyone happen to have a reference?). My guess is that they engineered for the best power consumption. The Prius can always burn gas to supply power as necessary, so that isn't as much of an issue compared to Model S.�
Jun 5, 2014
ken830 Well, it doesn't sound like pressurized air releasing because it's a periodic squeak that is constantly there when the A/C is running and slows-down to a stop when spinning-down or speeds-up when spinning-up. It is, as you say, the most apparent when spinning-down. I've heard the same thing on another loaner car (the one I have now), but plenty of other cars do not have this annoyance. So, you're saying that your squeak went away? Mine is over a year old and 25k miles and it's only gotten worse. And it gets worse each time they "fix" it. The service centers on the San Francisco peninsula are located on such busy roads (El Camino in Menlo Park and Palo Alto, US 101 in Burlingame) that they can't hear any noise from the cars. Not sure how they can diagnose anything noisy/rattly.�
Jun 5, 2014
S4Life Wow, glad I found this thread as I too thought a fan went bad. I was out the other day and it was so loud it was drowning out huge diesels sitting next to me at a light. I am going to schedule a SC visit to get the TSB applied and a rattle I have in the A pillar or pano that is driving me nuts.�
Jun 5, 2014
Martini In the older thread on A/C noise, there were some who were convinced the noise was caused by vibration of the compressor (or hoses?) against the frame and not the compressor itself. This might explain why a new bracket is the "cure".
�
Jun 5, 2014
AnOutsider I've had my car for 30k miles now. Summer is just coming on, and I've resisted using the AC much because I like the silent cruising with the windows down. The day I recorded that video, I DID use the AC, but did not hear squeaking as it spooled down.�
Jun 5, 2014
Mr D Just took delivery of my MS last week and noticed a bit of vibration on the steering wheel while on the highway. Arranged for the SC to have a look and also asked about the AC noise. In addition to the tire re-alignment, they proactively installed the acoustic blanket and new bracket. It's made a big difference in the noise.�
Jun 5, 2014
gg_got_a_tesla Surprised that Tesla's not installing the acoustic blanket and bracket at the factory already for new cars...
Waiting for firmware v6.0 to be out to justify a visit to the service center. Will get this TSB, armor plate, defog vents retrofit (for the next winter�
Jun 6, 2014
EarlyAdopter I finally got a chance to put the new A/C compressor blanket and bracket to the test yesterday after the car sat out in the sun in 80F weather.
Before the fix my compressor sounded very much like the video posted above - high pitch scroll compressor buzz/whine plus a deep bass note like a cargo helicopter.
Now it's about 1/10 the noise level. It's quieter than the air intake fans on full. Ahhhhh... bliss.�
Jun 8, 2014
iKhalid Anyone having the noise with a model s built in 2014?�
Jun 8, 2014
rogerkang FlasherZ I have a 2010 Prius. It's not only stronger but the air blows better than the Tesla as well. And it's super quiet. I will ask for the fix next time I'm at the SC. Seems like the way to go. But yes, the AC has negligible effect on the Model S' range compared to the heater. I've been averaging 250-280Wh/mi here in NJ with the AC on all of the time. I guess it is super efficient!�
Jun 8, 2014
scaesare I point out when comparing A/C systems to other vehicles, they aren't also built to provide cooling for a 1,500 lb mass of battery pack.�
Jun 8, 2014
jerry33 Good point.
Besides starting a higher temperature setting, I've found that if it's loud turning the A/C off and then on quiets it right down. (The noise happens on my car when I don't set the temperature high enough to start.)�
Jun 8, 2014
andydoty As I don't know what the compressor sounded line in the previous Model S's, I have no point of comparison. However, yes, there is a noticeable compressor sound coming from under the car. The only thing I've noticed is that it doesn't last very long. I can also hear a slight hum when I'm in the car (you can feel it too). It's completely tolerable though. I would consider it pretty quiet in comparison to the ICE compressors.
Now I'm in IT so technology piques my curiosity. It was hot in the car yesterday (around 105) and I turned the A/C on while it was plugged in. Heard the compressor and the fans (the fans seem louder then the compressor). I noticed that there are louvers in the nose that open and close depending on the A/C load. Did believe it until I saw it for myself. They close to cut down drag. I've noticed that they vent into the wheel wells.
A little thing I've learned about vehicle A/C systems is the size. The average small home will have anywhere from 3-4 tons of cooling (a ton is 12000 BTUs). Most cars have 3 tons of cooling and are much smaller. So, why such a powerful A/C for a little space. A friend in the industry alluded to the time it takes to lower the temperature of the cabin as opposed to cooling an entire home. Think of the cooling power needed to lower the temperature of a cabin in excess of 100 degrees to a comfortable 70 degrees. Not very long is it?
Now go outside and look at the condenser for most home central air conditioning systems. The one in the Tesla is about the size of a small loaf of bread. Amazing? I think so...�
Jun 8, 2014
AnOutsider That's very well, but Tesla knew that going in right? They knew the AC had multiple functions to perform and should have specced the system to do so IMO while keeping all aspects in mind (including sound). Saying "oh, but it does more than just any normal AC in a car" doesn't make anything better for me.�
Jun 9, 2014
SarahsDad Yep mine's loud too. This is outside in a quiet parking lot - when I'm pre-cooling my car like this I could find it with my eyes closed from 20 cars away just by walking toward the sound. Need headphones to hear the higher pitches.
�
Jun 9, 2014
Ugliest1 Thanks @EA for posting this. I'm on vacation in Palm Springs at the moment, and the car's AC noise is quite annoying (it's not used to this desert heat - and who booked holidays in PS starting in June anyway!!
Since our vacation place doesn't have any electrical plugs outside at all near the parking area, the SC's 3 24/7 chargers are also very handy. Hope there's a noticeable difference with the "fix" tomorrow.�
Jun 9, 2014
LuckyLuke Mine (october 2013 produced) sounds EXACTLY like that video.
Temps peaked at 32C/90F here today, with lots of sun.
TSB noted on my to-ask list, thanks.�
Jun 9, 2014
mibaro2 WOW... I have always had my car in Eco mode since I received it 2 months ago. I figured it was a safe bet when starting out as a newbie.
However, in Eco mode, I think the A/C is loud...I would hate to hear what it sounds like in normal mode.
:scared:
If it is quiter in Eco mode, I can understand why people complain about the noise since they probably have it in Normal mode.�
Jun 9, 2014
Canuck Ha! I doubt they've ever had to do this service at the Vancouver service centre. Using air on high will freeze us out except for maybe one or two weeks per year. But I just printed EarlyAdopter's service invoice since my car has to go in for other warranty work and I want to get it done for my trip down to California this summer.�
Jun 9, 2014
scaesare I'm not stating what it should "do" for anybody in particular.
What I am stating is that drawing comparisons of the same or similar units in other cars isn't an apples-to-apples comparison.�
Jun 9, 2014
rkruff I just shut climate control off and then immediately turn it back on...that normally resolves it. The service center in Van Nuys installed an insulating blanket over the motor and that helped quite a bit as well.�
Jun 9, 2014
pete8314 I've done that a few times as well, and it does work, which kinda make me think that the software isn't behaving right. The AC does often seem to have a mind of its own.�
Jun 9, 2014
darthvdr I hear mine, but it's not as loud as in these videos. Do you guys notice it more if you crank up the AC compared to keeping it at speed 1 or 2?�
Jun 9, 2014
jerry33 It's more temperature differential dependent rather than fan speed dependent. If you start at 24 or 25 and then lower the temperature as the car gets cooler there really isn't a lot of noise. If you start at 18, it will be impressively loud and will vibrate.�
Jun 9, 2014
xhawk101 Agree my slk was as well. MB has very loud fan.�
Jun 9, 2014
znino Sorry man, I disagree. There is no way that this level of noise should be considered acceptable for a $100K car. I have had other luxury cars that, at idle speeds had very little engine noise (for example, Mercedes CL550) and the compressor running on very hot days would not make a quarter of the noise the Model S does so I dont buy the 'your gas car noise just drowned it out' argument. Like I said, just sitting idling my CL550 was almost an electric car quiet from the inside. Great insulation I suppose. When my Model S compressor starts up it's like I am pushing the throttle on a plane about to take off.
My service center also told me about some insulating solution they are working on. They better hurry up. I 100% agree that when I am inside the car, especially with someone, it is really annoying to be asked, �what the hell is that loud noise...I thought electric cars were supposed to be silent". It IS embarrassing IMHO.�
Jun 10, 2014
islandbayy I just leave mine in Range Mode. Even at 85*F here with 95% Humidity, we were freezing within minutes. If I turn range mode off, the Jet Engine prepares for take off.�
Jun 10, 2014
jerry33 My concern with running range mode for A/C is that during winter range mode slows heating of the battery. I reckon this is okay because cold doesn't hurt the battery. In summer, does range mode slow the cooling of the battery, and if so, what are the ramifications?�
Jun 10, 2014
mknox That's a good point, but I would have to think that Tesla thought this through. Many people will want or need to use Range Mode for a variety of reasons, but if the battery requires cooling beyond what Range Mode can deliver, the system should accomodate.�
Jun 10, 2014
gg_got_a_tesla I'm not sure that battery cooling is tied to cabin cooling to a large extent, if at all.
I may choose to drive with the AC off completely even in very hot weather. In theory, that is. That shouldn't compromise battery cooling which must be a largely independent system.�
Jun 10, 2014
qwk The Roadster shared the A/C between the cabin/battery pack. I didn't think that the Model S did that, but my car seems to go from blowing very cold air to warm, then back to cold. This is with the temp set to LO, and A/C fan speed set to 11. Does anybody else see this? I can't figure out if it's a software bug, or pack cooling taking place.�
Jun 10, 2014
rkruff From what I understand the there are three cooling pumps. They are shared by the cabin AC and battery pack. On my S85, one of the three pumps was weak and noisy. It was fine until I used the Supercharger for the first time. It then complained and said to take it to service. The pump was replaced, the message went away, and the noise subsided considerably. Seems like there is a systemic issue but not serious other than the noise. Give them some time...they will get it resolved with software.�
Jun 10, 2014
Mr X Its pretty loud on my Smart ED, on the lowest AC setting. Goes from quiet to louder than all other cars on the road lol�
Jun 10, 2014
gg_got_a_tesla Got a call from Tesla Burlingame about this; I hadn't initiated anything other than post on this thread
Trying to bundle this TSB along with a couple of others (armor plate and defog vent retrofit - for the next winter!) in a single service visit.�
Jun 10, 2014
iKhalid Redefining "customer service".�
Jun 10, 2014
jerry33 The battery heating sure is. If you set range mode, the battery and the cabin are both not very warm after pre-heating.
- - - Updated - - -
In the winter I use range mode a lot, although I try to remember to turn it off at night so I can pre-heat effectively. In summer, I'm thinking it might be like range charging. Do it when you need to, but not otherwise. But I don't know, which is why I asked.�
Jun 10, 2014
mknox I personally gave up on Range Mode in the winter because I found it didn't really make any difference in my range. It is likely because I'm usually driving at least 40 miles at a time. It may be beneficial with shorter trips, however.�
Jun 10, 2014
Ugliest1 I mentioned up-thread I was taking my car in today; I just got it back from the Palm Springs service centre this afternoon after they applied SB-14-18-002 for the 14-hamsters-in-a-dryer A/C sound. It does make a significant difference and some of the weirder noises haven't happened since (yet??). They also applied that fix for the driver B pillar squeak/tap that was really annoying. And a car wash. And a battery fill. And a loaner so that we were able to continue our vacation activities unabated. Thanks Bill @ PS SC!
EDIT: And thanks again @AmpedRealtor for posting the SB so I knew what to ask for.
2nd EDIT: just went over the service log in detail, they also updated the firmware to 5.11(1.59.47) -- was on 5.9(1.51.109), tested the charging cable, and did a bunch of other checking and inspection�
Jun 11, 2014
scaesare It does, see the thread I started on Model S Overall Thermal Management�
Jun 11, 2014
capt601 That's funny. I've complained to tesla and local service center about our car being the loudest at superchargers and AC being louder than a diesel truck and they both said it is normal and nothing they could do. Embarrassing when you take people for a ride on hot day and car is vibrating and loud outside.�
Jun 11, 2014
jerry33 Agreed. On a long trip it won't really make a difference. Mine is 25 miles and I can tell the difference. What I'd really wish they'd do is have range mode disabled while charging or pre-heating. In the summer, range mode doesn't make any difference that I can tell.�
Jun 11, 2014
Gizmotoy I can't tell if Tesla is being completely proactive for all owners or was just monitoring these threads as usual, but I was contacted by two different SCs this week about applying a TSB to fix this, one from my usual SC and another one nearby. It was someone other than my usual contact at my local SC, so they didn't know they were already on top of ordering my parts and such. I'm scheduled to have this fixed, along with hopefully a batch of other stuff, on July 9th.�
Jun 11, 2014
trils0n Palo Alto service center reached out to me about this as well. Not sure if it is related to my post, but the timing seemed like it.�
Jun 11, 2014
invisik Mine sounds similar, loud grinding noises but with extra constant squeaking... like it needs to be lubricated or something. Can hear it inside the car over the fan on full blast. At least the air is cold!
I'm stopping by the SC tomorrow for an unrelated item and said I wanted someone to listen to it. My car was delivered 3-2014, no idea if I have the dampening material or not.
-m�
Jun 11, 2014
pgiralt I think they are calling anyone with a VIN in the affected range. They called me even though I had already gotten the cover installed a month ago while I was in for something else.�
Jun 11, 2014
ken830 I just got my car back the service center and once again, the A/C squeaking is still there and sounds exactly the same as before. Those of you that have experienced the squeak, does it sound like mine and has it ever been fixed? Notice how it's worse when starting-up and stopping (near the end of the video).
�
Jun 12, 2014
mibaro2 My Mississauga SC just reached out to me with regards to my post in this thread about a noisy a/c. It was a pleasant surprise since no other car company has done before.
I'll be going in 2 weeks for them to look at it.�
Jun 12, 2014
scaesare I got the the call today TOO based on my participation in this thread, and I was defending ?the compressor performance!�
Jun 12, 2014
studiojon I had the technical service bulletin done today and it is a HUGE difference. Compressor is almost undetectable from inside the car now, and much quieter from outside. The vibration transmission is much reduced. Certainly at this point it's not noticeable and no longer an embarrassing issue at all. I am back in love with my car (and I never really fell out.....):smile:�
Jun 12, 2014
andrewket Doesn't sound normal to me.�
Jun 13, 2014
pete8314 I had it done a couple of days ago as well, but I'm not noticing a huge difference at all...maybe the tone of the noise is a little deeper, but it seems to be as loud as ever. I did take a 'before' recording, so I'm just waiting for the ambient temperature to be at a similar level to take the 'after' recording.�
Jun 13, 2014
AnOutsider Got my car back yesterday after getting the AC TSB applied (amongst other things). Haven't had enough heat to fully test it yet, but the fan ran while the car was charging last night, and seemed quieter. Doing a lot of driving (and supercharging) this weekend and into next week, so I'll be able to give it a real test.�
Jun 13, 2014
dsm363 Getting fix done tomorrow as well as seat fix.�
Jun 13, 2014
tomp Great that they have a solution that seems to work well. I have noted the loud sound too - at max speed, it's enough that it impacts your ability to have a conversation in the car. I have not noticed the squeaking sound that some others seem to have. I'll ask next time I need to bring it in.�
Jun 13, 2014
darthvdr I recall on a 60 loaner that their compressor was much louder than our MS. There was a rattle too. I wonder why there is a difference between cars.�
Jun 13, 2014
AnOutsider Not scientific of course, but I was sitting in my car today (after a quick rain) and waiting for the defogger to kick on so that I could see (72 outside). I heard a whine like someone else posted up thread. Hadn't heard it before :/�
Jun 13, 2014
theheff
I wonder that as well. I drive a P85 normally and I have the super loud compressor, but when I had an S60 loaner for my service day, I didn't hear anything. And it was a toasty day.�
Jun 13, 2014
Pollux Wow, 250-280 Wh/mi *with* A/C on?! I'm seeing summer-time power usage around 310 Wh/mi (with lows as in the low 200s), but when I turn on the AC I'm immediately in the 370-380 Wh/mi range. :-(
Are other people seeing the AC power impact as minimal?
�
Jun 13, 2014
jerry33 That sounds pretty normal. I was at 230 today with the A/C on.�
Jun 13, 2014
rogerkang If you do a lot of sitting in traffic then your Wh/mi will go up. I also don't crank my AC up super high. But I'm in NJ so I do use it all the time because it's humid and hot here!�
Jun 13, 2014
AmpedRealtor I drove over 100 miles a few days ago in 107 degree desert heat with AC set at 72 and in range mode. My average energy consumption for that trip, mostly freeway miles at 70 MPH, was 273 Wh/mi. The terrain was generally flat.�
Jun 13, 2014
tomp Wow! What speeds do you drive at? I don't think I've ever been at 230, except very short periods.�
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