Chattering Sound from A/C Compressor – 2017-2018 Subaru Forester

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”

NHTSA ID Number: 10155219

Manufacturer Communication Number: 15-237-19R

Summary

This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly. In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor to make a chattering-type sound. A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced corrosion resistance.

 

2 Affected Products

Vehicle

SUBARUeBayFORESTER2017-2018

 


INTRODUCTION:

This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly.  In the case where a refrigerant leak is identified as coming from the a/c condenser, the level of refrigerant oil may also drop and cause the internal vanes of the compressor to make a chattering-type sound.  A new-style A/C condenser has been established with enhanced corrosion resistance.

NOTE:  Additional information regarding this new a/c condenser is provided in TSB 15-223-18.

 

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:

The new condenser assembly was incorporated into production starting with VIN J*469234.

 

PART INFORMATION:

The part number for the new condenser assembly is 73210SG011.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

REMINDER:  Customer satisfaction and retention starts with performing quality repairs.

The service procedures for diagnosis and replacement of the a/c condenser remain unchanged.  A new procedure for adding refrigerant oil directly to the compressor is provided below.  Always refer to the applicable Service Manual and review the full requirements of the repair being performed.  The Service Manual procedures contain information critical to performing an effective repair the first time and every time.  This includes but is not limited to: important SAFETY precautions, proper inspection criteria, necessary special tools, required processes and related one-time-use parts needed for a complete and lasting repair.

 

See the Flow Chart below for the diagnostic and Service Procedures and additional instructions.

When adding oil directly to the compressor there are two (2) methods:

 

Method 1:

Evacuate the A/C system completely.

  • Remove the low-side hose from the compressor.
  • Use a small PLASTIC (no small screw drivers or wooden toothpicks) stick (e.g. a modified plastic trim stick or mixing “swizzle” stick), to LIGHTLY press on the spring-loaded metal (brass-colored) plate in the base of the compressor’s low side hose orifice. This plate acts as a check valve and the spring holding it closed is very low-tension.

IMPORTANT:  BE CAREFUL to not scratch the low-side hose o-ring sealing surface.

NOTE:  Unless it is being replaced, A/C compressor removal is NOT necessary for this repair.  The photos provided below for reference show the compressor assembly removed.

 

  • CAREFULLY add the measured amount (40cc) of refrigerant oil. Turn the armature of the compressor CLOCKWISE while filling as needed.
  • Refit the low-side hose assembly ALWAYS using a NEW o-ring. Torque the retaining bolt to 10 NM (7.4 ft. lbs. or 89 inch-pounds).
  • Recharge the A/C system following the applicable Service Manual procedure.

 

Method 2:

Use of a readily available “injector” tool (which in most cases), eliminates the need to evacuate and recharge the A/C system.  The injector body is filled with the specific amount of oil then injected (like a regular syringe) into the compressor through the low-side service fitting which is also part of the tool.

CRITICAL CAUTIONS:  Use ONLY a tool labeled for R134A refrigerant systems (e.g. Robinair #16256).  Using a tool designed or labeled for R1234YF systems will result in contaminated refrigerant oil and extensive damage to the A/C system.  In addition, NEVER try to “flush” a tool previously used for injecting a different type of refrigerant oil or UV inspection dye so it can be used on a R134A system.

 

VERY IMPORTANT:  ALWAYS follow ALL the tool manufacturer’s instructions and CAUTIONS closely.

 

Once the refrigerant oil has been added (using Method 1 or 2):

  • Start the engine and allow it to idle for about 5 minutes with the system set to:
    • VENT
    • Temperature set to FULL COOL
    • Recirculate ON
    • Fan speed HIGH
  • Confirm normal A/C operation to complete the procedure.


NUMBER: 15-237-19R
DATE: 01/28/19
REVISED: 02/19/19

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [599.75 KB]

 


NUMBER: 15-237-19
DATE: 01/28/19

Loader Loading...
EAD Logo Taking too long?

Reload Reload document
| Open Open in new tab

Download [598.24 KB]

 


 

“This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated”
Bestseller No. 1
AC Pro ACP307CA-1 High Mileage R-134a AC Recharge with UV Dye (12 oz)
  • Approved for use in California
  • High Mileage refrigerant for vehicles over 75, 000 miles
  • Contains approximately 10 oz. of R-134a and 2 oz. of additives
  • Contains leak sealer to seal common A/C leaks in rubber hoses, gaskets, and O-rings
  • Contains high mileage No wear additives
Bestseller No. 2
ZeroR® AC Refrigerant | R134a Replacement | 6 Cans for AC Recharging
  • Universal - ZeroR AC Refrigerant is a hydrocarbon that safely bonds with chemicals like R134a, R1234YF and R12. We can only advertise this product to be used in R134a systems due to EPA regulations in the USA on both R12 and R1234YF systems. EPA also prohibits mixing refrigerant types. See the description for all legal disclaimers.
  • Easy - This product installs just as easily as any R134a products. Cans even have R134a threads and the majority of R134a can taps will work for these cans.
  • 6oz Cans - Refrigerants are compressed gasses and are measured by weight, not by liquid volume such as water. All gasses compress differently and produce a different weight. ZeroR AC Refrigerant is low weight compared to R134a, but its performance is equal to 16oz of R134a.
  • Eco Friendly – ZeroR AC Refrigerant is a 100% Natural gas unlike R134a, R1234yf and R12.
  • Safe – ZeroR AC Refrigerant has a class 2.1 flammability rating just like the new R1234YF which is now used in 100% of newly manufactured vehicles. Under normal operating conditions this product presents no danger to its users when handled properly and used in systems approved for flammable refrigerants.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 6
Arctic Freeze Ultra Synthetic Automotive Refrigerant 134A - 22 OZ
  • This item cannot be shipped to Washington or California
Bestseller No. 7
InterDynamics Car Air Conditioner, Certified A/C Pro Refrigerant Leak Stop Kit for R134A Car Air Conditioners, 3 Oz Each
  • Contains approximately 1.5oz of refrigerant and 1.5oz of additives
  • Repairs Metal Leaks in evaporators, condensers, compressors, accumulators and receiver dryers
  • Seals Rubber Leaks in O-rings, gaskets, and hoses
  • With red dye for detecting leaks too large to repair
  • Reusable dispensing hose designed for compliance and to work only with R-134a cans with self-sealing valve can tops
Bestseller No. 8
Interdynamics A/C Pro ACP-102 Ultra Synthetic A/C Recharge R-134a Car Refrigerant - 12 OZ
  • Replaces lost R-134a refrigerant and oil in automotive A/C system
  • System safe stop leak sealer stops most common A/C leaks with hoses, gaskets and O-Rings
  • Special anti-wear additives extend system life and improve performance
  • Contains R-134a gas which is acceptable for use in motor vehicle A/C (MVAC) systems
  • Complies with Section 612 of the EPA Clean Air Act, EPA Compliant in Self Sealing Cans
Bestseller No. 9
SUV Vehicle AC Refrigerant | R134a Replacement | 1Can with Trigger Gauge Piercing Valve for AC Recharging
  • Restore Original Cooling: Bring your A/C performance back to its original cold air state.
  • Established Product: This is the original Enviro-Safe Refrigerant introduced over 27 years ago.
  • Equivalent Efficiency: 1 can of Enviro-Safe R134a Replacement refrigerant equals 1lb of R134a.
  • Lower Head Pressure: Operates at lower head pressure for improved efficiency.
  • Improved Cooling: Offers improved cooling properties and performance compared to standard refrigerants.
Bestseller No. 10
Pro-C A/C Professional Digital Display Automotive Recharge Gauge & Hose for R-134A Refrigerant, ACP400AD
  • Digital gauge with guided command
  • Guided Commands eliminate the guesswork
  • 24” Long Hose
  • Trigger Dispenser
  • Quick Connect Coupler

Last update on 2025-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...