I have a 2010 Honda Insight and I recently noticed it makes a growling sound when I turn on the A/C. When I turn off the A/C the noise completely stops. The noise honestly reminds me of a motorcycle or something. Does anyone know what this noise could be? I got out of the car to inspect with it running with the A/C and it’s loudest on the passenger side. I got stuck in the mud a few days ago so I don’t know if any mud or other debris got inside some of the machinery under the car in my attempt to get out.
My 2010 EX did the very same thing last week. AC worked fine when I left work. Stopped for gas and then noticed the AC would not get cold. At the next stop light I could hear the growl. I drove the 60 miles home with no AC so as not to do further damage (just in case it would have). Took it to a local non-dealer Honda service place and he diagnosed it as the bearing, which I had guessed. He doesn't work on hybrids, so I suppose I have no choice but to go to a dealer service department. The closest dealer to me is at least an hour away. I am trying not to drive it, but it's my daily 125-mile round trip commuter. Has anyone here had this service done? Any ideas on what I can expect to pay? And should I not be driving it? I would assume not as the sound is constant even without the AC engaged. Thank you!