AC making thunking sound frequently.

[Meowser]

I bought a pre-owned 2013 Tesla Model S 85 recently. I have noticed that the car makes a thunking sound every 10-15 seconds coming from the Dash area. I have found it to be when the AC is running. While this noise is quiet enough to not be heard when music is playing or while driving, it is just killer when trying to sleep in the car on long road trips. I tried taking it to a service center and they tried telling me that it is normal to hear this in electric cars. I have since been in a friend's 2016 Model S and it didn't seem to make this noise at all. Is this really a normal sound or is this something that the service center didn't want to address?

Here is a recording I made in the car to hear the sound. Headphones recommended. (The audio didn't pick up too well.)

 

[hpartsch]

Mine does that. Normal for a 2013. They likely improved the 2016 ac.

 

[Meowser]

Mine does that. Normal for a 2013. They likely improved the 2016 ac.

Hmmm, thank you for that info. I wonder how unreasonable it is to get the part that makes the noise. That noise sure drives me crazy!

 

[hpartsch]

Hmmm, thank you for that info. I wonder how unreasonable it is to get the part that makes the noise. That noise sure drives me crazy!

I'm not sure but I wouldn't be spending money on getting it replaced. Save your money for when things break -- because they will and it will cost a chunk if you're out of warranty.

 

[Andrejun]

My 2012 also does same when cycling due to low cooling / drying demand. It is super agrivating and I really feel like it could be improved dramatically with a PID tweak.