I drive a '99 Honda Accord, and when I turn on the AC, the car squeals for about 30 secs to a minute.

Question

What should I do about this?

Answer 1

The first thing I would check is the belt that drives the AC. It could be what is slipping and making the noise. You may need to tighten or replace the belt.

Answer 2

Check you belt for tension, it may be dry too & that's one of the causes of it... a simple 1st aid for this problem is to spray some WD40 onto the belt & pulleys with the engine running on idle (use the long nozzle & be careful), rev it a bit to work the lube in until the squealing stops... don't overdo the lube or you'll get belt slip. You can use a proper belt dressing to do this, but WD40 is a cheaper multi-purpose lube.

Answer 3

replace the belt

Answer 4

Step one would probably be to replace the belt that drives it.

If that doesn't stop it, then the compressor bearings are probably shot, although that usually doesn't go away.

Maybe take it to a shop and see if they notice anything else going on - tell them to quote you before fixing anything though.

Answer 5

The belt that drives the compressor for the A/C is either glazed or stretched.  If glazed, replace it.  If stretched beyond what the tensioner can do, replace it.