Dodge: dodge caravan, dodge caravan, front wheel drive

Question
I have dodge caravan 1993 front wheel drive with 3.0 liter engine.  I have a problem with the A/C. When I am driving the van and I turn the A/C on, it makes a squeaky noice every few minutes and the van does not cool at all.  What could be the problem.  Could it be the compressor or something else.  Please let me know.  Thank you.  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer
Hi aswin,

Since I'm only the Stealth expert I may not get this right but I'll try anyway.

A squeeking noise when you attempt to use the A/C is usually the belt slipping. The things you want to check (in order) are :
1. Check that the belt is tight enought and not at the end of it's life. (It should be firm, smooth and a little springy and definately not frayed or bumpy)
2. Did you have problems last time you used it with it not cooling very much? If you did it may have lost it's referigerant and using it now will destroy the compressor. You probably can't check this yourself without the proper equipment.
3. You may be right in that the compressor may have died on you. Usually when the compressor dies the belt will not even turn it at all. Have someone sit in the van while you stand and look at the compressor, when they turn on the A/C you should see something that wasn't spinning, attempt to spin. If it actually spins the compressor may not be toast, if it doesn't... you're probably in for an expensive repair. If you're really lucky you'll see the belt flopping around and know exactly why it isn't working now... the belt's bad.

I hope this helps, If not try checking with the Van expert.

Bill
91 TT "Old Red"