A/C Recirculator Noise

[cycleguy]

Hey All,

I'm new to the forum and have a question regarding the air circulator. I have a 2006 Rubicon that I purchased in December 2024 and haven't had to use the A/C until now. This is my first Jeep so the basis for my question is "is this normal?" When I turn the regular A/C on it works and sounds perfectly fine. When I turn the A/C to Recirculate, the recirculating motor at the passenger's side feet makes a noticeable buzzing sound. Importantly, regardless of the setting the A/C blows cold. I removed the hood cowl to inspect the blowing motor. The servo damper opens and closes as it should based on the setting. The blowing motor itself appears perfect without any debris clogging it, and I know this model TJ does not have a cabin air filter. I know the issue of a funny sound is difficult to evaluate over a text thread, but just wondering if there is anything else I should look at, think about, or is a noticeable noise form a recirculator normal for a TJ? It is not a concerning noise but its just louder than I would expect.

Thanks.

 

[Chris]

Hey All,

I'm new to the forum and have a question regarding the air circulator. I have a 2006 Rubicon that I purchased in December 2024 and haven't had to use the A/C until now. This is my first Jeep so the basis for my question is "is this normal?" When I turn the regular A/C on it works and sounds perfectly fine. When I turn the A/C to Recirculate, the recirculating motor at the passenger's side feet makes a noticeable buzzing sound. Importantly, regardless of the setting the A/C blows cold. I removed the hood cowl to inspect the blowing motor. The servo damper opens and closes as it should based on the setting. The blowing motor itself appears perfect without any debris clogging it, and I know this model TJ does not have a cabin air filter. I know the issue of a funny sound is difficult to evaluate over a text thread, but just wondering if there is anything else I should look at, think about, or is a noticeable noise form a recirculator normal for a TJ? It is not a concerning noise but its just louder than I would expect.

Thanks.

TJs are old enough that they do have some noises in most cases.

If it were me I'd probably remove that blow motor and inspect it. You may not be able to see, but I'd be willing to bet there's some debris down in there and a good cleaning might get rid of the noise. That's at least where I'd start.

Since the A/C is functioning properly and blowing cold, it sounds like it's more of an annoyance than a critical issue. However, if the noise becomes louder or changes, you might want to investigate further.

If you find it bothersome, you could also consider adding some lube in the right places just to make things move easier.

 

[JKP]

Unplug the wires to the motor, depress the locking tab, and the motor just twists out. Probably leaves, pine needles, etc in the blower.

 

[KennethS]

Max AC is louder, as in mine is so loud it’s hard to hear the radio, but since you have unusual noises that are beyond just a louder fan, some investigation is warranted.

 

[B1Toad]

My brother in law's truck blower was making a sound like a playing card on a spoked wheel. We couldn't really see anything till we pulled the assembly out and there was a single leaf in there. It was one tough leaf though.

 

[cycleguy]

Thanks guys!