Wierd AC Sound

[tipsyaj]

I'm taking the car to the mechanic but I was wondering whether you guys would know anything about this ... when the AC is turned on the car makes a screeching sound intermittingly ... it's pretty loud, and happens when the AC is on, not the heat. I also noticed that when the AC is turned on the first couple of seconds the air coming out of the AC has an odorless smoke coming out, but it's kinda like it's cold air ... I can't take the car in until next week so I thought I'd ask you guys ...

[1996 328ti]

The sound is what is known as the groaring sound. http://happytogether.com/318ti/tsbs/groaring.html .

I have the same vapor. It could just be moisture. Try turning the recirc switch on.

[tipsyaj]

Thanks a lot ... I feel better knowing what the problem is ... would anyone happen to know approximately how much that'll hurt my pocketbook ?

[Ralliart]

I saw that you live around Detroit. Where are you takeing your car for service?

[tipsyaj]

I was thinking of taking it to Munk's in Waterford, but my dad's got a friend at Import Auto on 8 Mile in Detroit, so we'll see.

[Ralliart]

Is that the one on Gratiot? I've wanted to try that place out. Let me know how it goes.

[tipsyaj]

Well, I took it to Eastern Auto, and it seems that the problem was with my water pump ... it cost me $380 but I've got frigid cold a/c, and I don't have to worry anymore about the pump going on me ...