a/c compressor or something else??

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May 8, 2004 | 01:44 AM

96ga_explorer

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a/c compressor or something else??

I've owned my 96 Explorer V6 XLT 4x4 for about 4 months, and just started having weird problems with the a/c. Just about everytime I turn on the a/c, the battery light comes on, power steering goes out, the temperature gauge goes to hot, and the air turns warm. If I turn off the a/c, everything returns to normal. Sometimes the air works fine with no other problems. I had the battery and alternator checked, but all was ok. It also started a high pitched squealing noise when the a/c is turned on and gets higher when accelerating, it also smokes and I can smell a burning smell through the vents. A friend thinks it is either the compressor going out, a bad fan clutch or that the a/c was overcharged by the previous owners. If anyone could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance!!

May 8, 2004 | 07:08 AM

94van

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From: Southern MD

Sounds like you may have a compressor about to sieze up. Maybe you should put a set of gauges on it and see what the charge is?

May 9, 2004 | 08:02 PM

hdgapeach

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Franklin, GA

What 94van said and check the compressor pulley bearing if the charge pressures are right. Your burning smell and squealing is probably the belt (if it's a v belt) or if you have a serpentine belt, the compressor clutch. You are heating up cause of the excessive load to turn the compressor and all that extra load is putting a strain on the electrical system to compensate, so your battery light comes on.