High Pitched Noise When Engine Switched OFF!

[ramondo]

Hello all,

My 2002 focus lets out an unusual sounding squeaking noise a few seconds after the enginge is switched off, after its been driven for a distance with the air con on. It's a bit like the squeaky noise when you blow up a balloon and stretch the end to let the air out. It lasts 2-3 seconds.

Is this the compressor dying? At the last service I was told the aircon would need to be replaced at some point. However I'm not sure I can justify the cost for a 10 year old/160,000km car. I've heard the noise maybe 3 times, but I've stopped using the air con and I haven't heard it sonce.

Any ideas before I chek with an air con specialist?

Cheers,

Ramondo.