On my mom'* 96 SE the AC compressor (or the pully/clutch thing) makes an obnoxiously loud squeeling noise when the AC is off. To me it sounds like metal on metal but that may be incorrect. Once the AC is turned on, even on the lowest setting the sound goes away completely. Which is why I think it is the clutch part. When the AC is on it still blows cold air so the actual compressor works.

does anyone know how to fix this? or what needs to be replaced? Its loud enough to be heard when all the windows are up and the radio is on.

Please help, thanks in advance.

Are you sure it'* coming from the AC Compressor? You might want to try removing the belt and spin the various pulleys(tensioner, water pump, a/c) by hand to verify it'* the compressor that the noise is coming from. What'* the condition of the serpentine belt? Was the Serp belt ever replaced? If so, when? It is kind of weird that it makes noise when the compressor if OFF!

My car is doing the same thing,ac blows ice cold nothing wrong their,but every now and then i get this jingling metal to metal sound when the ac is off,as soon a i turn the ac on the noise goes away.

Ol' timer is right.. you don't want to spend uneccesary funds if you don't have to.. another way of doing it without tearing the car apart is to start the car.. take a hose ( water hose will work ) and use it like a stethascope.. go from pulley to pulley and check the AC pulley from under the car.. you will be able to pin point the area or pulley.. however be careful not to get pulled/caught by the pulley and belt..

Could also shoot some lube on all the pullys to see if that doesnt break loose the hang up you have,

That'* a good idea.. but if it'* the Compressor clutch.. I wouldn't spray any lube unless you KNOW you'll be replacing it ASAP.. if you are.. then give it a shot.. if it quiets down.. there'* your culprit..go out and get that fixed the same day.

OK, but I'd be careful on where I "shoot" the lube. You wouldn't want to get it on the serpentine belt.

of course not.

Yup sounds like the same problem. I guess i will look deeper tomorrow.

Sounds like the air gap on the compressor clutch has closed up. The clutch plate is a press fit and can be adjusted on the car with the proper tool. The air gap should be around .030”. I have heard that some AutoZone stores rent clutch remover tools.