I have a 97 F150 extended cab,4.6 auto....
I was on the highway heading out for a ride...heard a growling noise and then could semll smoke.
Pulled over,lifted the hood and found the source of the problem...I believe it is the air conditioner compressor pump....located at the bottom passenger side at the front of the engine...it kicks in and kicks out about every 15-20 seconds...is this normal...also,you can see that when it kicks in,it spins OK,but the more times it kicks out then back in,it looks like it really labors to trun...it actually slows the engine right down...I believe it's siezing up...can anyone enlighten me on this problem.

It does this when any of the heater controls are on...not just the "air conditioner" setting.......

Can I yank a fuse or take the plug in off of the pump to bypass this for now until I can get it replaced...i use the truck everyday....

Thanks
Bob