Possible AC compressor/clutch problem

[oliver'sSHO]

I have a 94 MTX SHO, and recently I've had trouble when I use the climate control system. When ever I use the air conditioning or deforst, I hear an intitial squeak coming from the engine, as if a belt had just slipped. Then, every 15-30 seconds the squeak comes back real quick, along with a slight jolt in the car itself. It has been to the dealer 3 times and they claim it's not evening happening. So, I'm on my own. I've had opinions that it may be the ac clutch, but then again, that's just an opinion. Not only may this squeak be hurting the engine, but it is also very annoying! Please help!!!

<small>[ October 18, 2002, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: oliver'sSHO ]</small>

 

[projectSHO89]

Tighten the belt that runs the compressor and the alternator.

That little jolt of drag is pretty normal.

Steve

 

[rangerj]

OliversSHO,

Steve pinpointed your problem. When you A/C clutch is engaged the A/C compressor resists being turned. This causes the belt to momentarily slip and the slip causes the squeel.

The A/C clutch engages and disengages, as needed in the A/C mode AND the defrost mode. Thus you get the squeel periodically, or 15 to 30 seconds as the A/C clutch "cycles" in either of these modes.

Tighten the belt a little. If the belt slipping will not go away, the 1.) the belt may be glazed and need to be replaced, or 2.) the A/C compressor may be putting up more resistance to being turned because it is going bad.

Have you had your A/C system recharged? Was any oil added? If an A/C system needs a charge it has a leak (period). As the oil in the A/C system circulates through the system with the refrigerant, if refrigerant leaked out so did some oil.

A lack of enough oil can cause an A/C compressor to resist being turned more than the normal amount of resistance. The slight engine drop in RPM is due to the load added by the A/C compressor when the clutch engages. A slight amount of this is also normal.

Tighten the belt, as Steve suggested. If the problem persists, then look for other possible causes. Hope this helps, rangerj