AC Compressor decided to celebrate the 4th of July early with its own fireworks

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Went to get lunch this afternoon and being that it's particularly warm today I decided to use the AC. I don't use it very often because of the power/mpg impact, but I was feeling self-indulgent this afternoon.

Anyway, I turned it on and a few seconds later I heard a sharp squeel(belt slipping) and then a nasty grinding sound followed by some smoke(smelled like burning rubber and burning brakes mixed together). I killed the AC and pulled over at the closest cross street. Popped the hood and cut it back on to see what I could see and I got a nice show of sparks coming from what I believe is the AC clutch.

What does this likely mean? I've never fooled with AC equipment.

Thanks

 

[bigbrowndog]

You can change the clutch as a unit. Make sure the compressor is ok first as its cheaper to buy both together than seperate.

 

[topend yobbo]

How often do you use it ?
A/Cs need semi regular running to keep lubed up.
May be just time for a new compressor.

 

[reffug]

Do a search using my user name Arya.

Went through a similar situation last summer.

Did you loose any guages?

I hate to tell you but your probably in for an unpleasant experience.

 

[MoGas]

Here is Reffug's saga.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

The only thing I lost is the AC compressor, nothing else has been affected. I use the AC probably once or twice a week in the summer, obviously not at all in the winter.

Ary

 

[reffug]

Well then to me at least it sounds as if you have lost the compressor and need a new one. Not nearly as bad as it could be but still a little spendy.