AC compressor problem

[RangerNerd97]

I have a 1997 3.0 and the compressor clutch kicks on and off really hard with the heat on. It makes a high pitch screeching and squealing then clunks on and off! Any ideas I checked the Tech Library and no help? The guys at NAPA recommended replacing the cluth and pulley assembly?

 

[shane96ranger]

I have a 1997 3.0 and the compressor clutch kicks on and off really hard with the heat on. It makes a high pitch screeching and squealing then clunks on and off! Any ideas I checked the Tech Library and no help? The guys at NAPA recommended replacing the cluth and pulley assembly?

You can just unplug the clutch to get it to quit making the noise until you need the A/C again. It very well could need a new clutch, or it might need oil.

The plug should sit right on top of your compressor with only two wires going to it. I'm not familiar with the 3.0, but it should be pretty close to the 4.0 setup.

 

[exbass94]

The compressor clicking on and off with the heat on is normal. The screeching and squealing however, is not. Look at the compressor when it's doing this and see if the clutch actually spins or if it's slipping against the pulley. Look for any discoloration on the front of the compressor. After it's been squealing for a while, turn the truck off and feel the front of the compressor. If it is a brownish whitish color and is really hot, the compressor is seized. If it's seized, you need to flush out and/or replace several components on the AC system in addition to replacing the compressor.

 

[shane96ranger]

The compressor clicking on and off with the heat on is normal. The screeching and squealing however, is not. Look at the compressor when it's doing this and see if the clutch actually spins or if it's slipping against the pulley. Look for any discoloration on the front of the compressor. After it's been squealing for a while, turn the truck off and feel the front of the compressor. If it is a brownish whitish color and is really hot, the compressor is seized. If it's seized, you need to flush out and/or replace several components on the AC system in addition to replacing the compressor.

Solid advice. If it were my truck, I'd unplug it and wait until it's warm. LOL

 

[RangerNerd97]

Thank you guys for the advice I did what was recommended and no signs of siezure or discoloration. The clutch is a little rusty though and I will try oil or just unplug it until summer LOL. What would you recommend for oil also if unplugged will I still have heat? Thanks again guys!

 

[shane96ranger]

Thank you guys for the advice I did what was recommended and no signs of siezure or discoloration. The clutch is a little rusty though and I will try oil or just unplug it until summer LOL. What would you recommend for oil also if unplugged will I still have heat? Thanks again guys!

Yes, you will still have heat. I believe the only reason that turns with the defrost is to keep the oil and such moving when it's cold out. The oil I speak of goes inside of the compressor. They sell it at Autozone, ad it usually enters the system with refrigerant.

This is a basic rundown of what would need to be done, unless you are low on refrigerant already:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4762765_add-oil-ac-compressor.html

 

[RangerNerd97]

Thanks 96 your the man!