AC help in TX....Please help...

[ntxstallion]

I drive an 02 Flex fuel Yukon. Was driving down the street today and heard a loud noise that sounded like a belt squeal. Immediately after this noise, the air from the AC began to slowly heat up. I thought that it had lost freon or something so I stopped and had the pressure checked and it was fine. I looked at my belt and it was fine too. I cannot tell if the compressor is engaging. I checked all fuses and relays and they are good. I compared it to my parent Surburban with the same engine. I notice that the compressor puller at the bottom on theirs spins fast while mine spins slow. Could this be a bad compressor or bad belt/pulley. I am going to try and diagnose in the morning. What do you guys think? Has this happened to you?

 

[Mankind]

You should be able to tell if your compressor is turning by looking at the front of it. If the entire front of the compressor is turning it is on, if just the belt pulley is turning then your A/C clutch is not engaging. Could be as simple as a pressure switch or the a little more involved, but still easy, repair of replacing the magnetic coil in the A/C clutch. If your not really sure of the workings of the A/C system i would recomend seeking professional help to diagnose the issue. The clutch going out could have been the noise you were hearing. The pulley is part of the clutch system but is designed to run independantly if anything should happen to the compressor components. If the compressor had locked up but the coil still function you would have noticed a severe power drain, possibly stalling the engine, while the A/C switch is on. Or the belt would be sliding across the pulley, screaming, until it breaks.

 

[bkboatnsleds]

just to be sure -you are looking at the right belt right? not the serpentine belt.

 

[ntxstallion]

Yeah pretty positive I was looking at the right belt. The compressor was flaky. I forgot that I had one of those extended warranty things. Came in pretty handy. Took my truck to the local Chevy yard and they did a completely new A/C system and the only out of pocket was for me was a 50 dollar deductible and 51.38 for freon since the plan doesn't cover freon. Nice price for cold A/C again and almost close to 1700 in parts and labor.