Automotive Forums

Hey all. This is my first post. I have a 2001 Lexus RX300, and I have a gurgling, kinda bubbling sound coming from where the AC is. It starts as soon as I start the engine, and seems to be worse when it is more humid outside. Just yesterday it started squeaking, but not for long, and I haven't heard it since.

Any ideas on what this is? Let me know!  

the mechanical end of your air conditioner comes in three basic sections. There is a radiator type condensor coil that is located right up against the engine radiator. Id really the radiator for the A/C.
Then theres a compressor motor thats run by the fan belt located on the front of the engine along with the alternator and power steering pump,etc.
   Then theres the evaporator coil located in the passenger compartment right under the dash board.
     So where do you think the noise is coming from???  

It certainly sounds like the sound is coming from right underneath the dashboard on the passenger side. Hope that helps...  

I like to call that area the climate control compartment. Thats where all the duct work is to move the air around either from the A/C or the Heater coil.
In the ductwork you have the A/C evaporator coil (looks like a mini radiator) and the Heater Coil (that looks like a radiator too)
Also in there is the Blower Motor attached to a Squirrel Cage type Fan.  
    The squeak you hear can be the blower motor. It has a permanently lubricated shaft but P/Lubrication is only for so long. It may be dried up and need replacement. If thats the case, sooner or later it will fail and meanwhile you will notice the noise get worse and worse.
The Gurgeling noise may be from condensated water from the evaporator coil not draining out of the car. Usually it drains out from the firewall's engine compartment. OR it may be a leaky Heater coil.
Are you losing engine radiator coolant??
     We''uns around here dontt use the A/C in December. Where the hxxx are you?