Help - A/C Clutch Sticking

[Jayman]

Can someone perhaps isolate this problem. Before it got hot if I was on auto whenver the clutch would engage it would seriously drop my idle or sometimes even stall the car (at idle). Now that it's warmer the A/C has seemed okay until today it just quit blowing cold and the compressor was making noise. I pop the hood and watch the damn compressor trying to cycle and its getting stuck and holding back the belt and making it slip. I turn the compressor off and the noise stops and everything is good (so bearing is okay). I drive home with the window open and unload the inlaws then check it out again. Suddenly its working again and not noisy at all (blowing cold like it should). Are these symptoms of a dying compressor or the shim problem? I've been reading A/C posts but have found nothing like this problem. Any and all input appreciated - its HOT!!!!!!!
Thanks all

 

[Jayman]

Someone, Anyone, anyone............. HELP Please?

 

[clintonk]

Sounds like either the belt is too loose, or the compressor is on the way to seizing. Check the belt tension. If that's OK, remove the belt and turn the compressor by hand; if you can't turn it, consider replacing it.

Clinton Knight
'90 White 183K
'95 Green 53K

 

[sdpatt]

Sounds like you need to reset the idle program and make sure the belt is properly tensioned. Search on reset, idle and program. The compressor would not seize and then rotate freely.

 

[Jayman]

Perhaps I'm not understanding the function of the compressor. My observation indicated that it did not want to turn when the clutch engaged (normal cycles), however when the compressor is not in use it turns freely without restriction. I shall reset the idle and check the tension first though. I am just concerned that I may be losing my compressor, although I have no leaks and it blows cold when it is not binding.