sorry for the pic, but once it started, i wanted to make sure that the sound came thru, so i tried to get as close to the sound as possible. is that the consensus then? the ELC Compressor? i want to take it in to the dealership [its under warranty] and get them to fix it, as its my contention that my car should not be making that noise.

the noise is normal, it should make that noise 30sec after the key is on to make sure that there is air in the system. ALL NORMAL unless it runs constantly

grumble grumble. oh well, good to know. ill stop buggin the dealership to fix it then. should it be making that noise up front too? theres a similar one coming from behind the glovebox [at random intervals, probably unconnected]. ill try to get a vid of it whenever i can catch it.

the glovebox should not be making noise.... that could be something of concern

is ur blower motor on when it does that?

glovebox: doesnt seem to matter - tomorrow im going to try to recreate it. thinking about when i usually hear it, its when im driving in the city w/ a/c on.

GAH! Mine does that exact same thing too. I was just going to ignore it because it wasn't causing any problems.

It happens right after it is started up...usually in the morning after it'* been sitting for a while. Doesn't last more then 30 seconds. One morning I started it and my dad was shoveling snow behind the car. He asked me WTF my car was doing.

The noise comes from the rear end of the car too.

yup 96 was the frist year that the pump was behind the passenger side rear wheel well