Sounds like the place to start.
help... smoked belt
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,501
Likes: 1
From: Maine
help... smoked belt
just went and started my 97... it was idling fine.. until i turned on the AC... the engine almost died and something around the belt area started smoking!!! it runs fine when the AC is off but as soon as i turn it on it almost kills the engine and it sounds like one of those bottom belts starts to squeek
any idea??
any idea??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,824
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From: Onalaska Wisconsin
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
This is one time I DO NOT have an objection in recommending that you change your AC Compressor!
It locked up internally and must be replaced! Most likely due to a loss of compressor oil over time. That would cause it to seize.
BC
It locked up internally and must be replaced! Most likely due to a loss of compressor oil over time. That would cause it to seize.BC
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
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From: Dayton Ohio
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,267
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From: Phoenix AZ
Not to mention if it is locked up, then the compressor damage has most likely spewed some of its internal bits throughout the system. After removing the compressor, the whole system will need a good flushing to get any leftover chunks out. Best left to a professional.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: South of Indy
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
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From: Longview Texas
Isn't there a pressure switch to keep the compressor from engaging if the freon is low?
Also, if the compressor has failed, you may never get all the metal particles out of the system, especially the condenser since that is where most of it tends to accumulate. If you have a compressor failure, it is a good idea to replace the condenser and the dryer along with the compressor to have a chance of the system working trouble-free.
Also, if the compressor has failed, you may never get all the metal particles out of the system, especially the condenser since that is where most of it tends to accumulate. If you have a compressor failure, it is a good idea to replace the condenser and the dryer along with the compressor to have a chance of the system working trouble-free.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,731
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From: New Market AL
Your compressor is locked. If it were just low freon pressure, then the clutch would not engage at all (with or without the switch turned on). Fortunately for us, the C5 has a separate belt for the A/C. You can replace it at your leisure. It's not that hard to do yourself, but it does take some special tools (vacuum pump, gauges). At the least, you could buy the parts and install them yourself to save some cash.