QuestionHi, I have owned my truck for 3 years with no problems. I almost always run my recycled air only, you don't even need to run A/C. A couple days ago, I only made it about 1 mile from my house and a horrible sound came from the passengers side. It even caused the engine to die a couple times. If I don't turn the air on, truck is absolutely fine. I keep hearing if it is low on freon, it won't engage but I can't imagine it being designed to jam up. That's what it sounds like after a few seconds. What should I check first, how do I find the code??
AnswerNoy,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the first thing that comes to mind is that your clutch is engaged, but it is doing no good, because your compressor has locked up. That is the only thing in the A/C system that will make your truck stall out.
What I am picturing happening, Your truck is running, idling along at about 800rpm happy as can be. As soon as you turn on your A/C switch your clutch engages, but your compressor refuses to turn. That in turn causes your belt to begin dragging across the pulley that is not moving, causing it to make a screeching noise. (Like when a belt is loose, but on a grander scale) That extra drag on your engine causes your idle to drop trying to fight against it and stalls it out.
This is the description of what typically happens about 70% of the time that your compressor goes out. I've seen it aplenty. One way to check for certain...
Remove the compressor belt, or serpentine if you have it. (with a serpentine, you just have to loosen it enough to pull it off of the compressor, leave the rest on so you don't have to work with re-routing it. Turn your ignition key to the run position. DONT start the engine. Turn your a/c on. You should hear your compressor clutch snap together. Once it does this, try to turn the compressor pulley with your hand. If it is still good, you will be able to turn it with some resistance (not alot) If it is locked, then of course, try as you might it is not moving.
I am fairly certain you will not be able to move it, in which case you are looking at roughly a 600+ dollar replacement. (low side estimate)
Thank you for the question, If you found this response at all helpful, please remember to rate this answer. If I can be of any more assistance now or in the future, do not hesitate to ask. Good luck in everything.
