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

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

SUBARU

FORESTER

2017-2018

 

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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.

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

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10155219

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10155219-9999.pdf

 

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

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10154422

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10154422-9999.pdf

 

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Last update on 2026-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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