1999 Jeep Cherokee Squeal and RPMs and Battery Charge Indic

WVHAVEN

MEMBER
1999 JEEP CHEROKEE
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
174,000 MILES

I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 174K miles on it. I recently had the AC recharged. When I turn on the AC a squeal starts up AND the RPMs on the tachometer drop and the battery charge indicator (which always shows straight up balanced between losing and charging) drops considerably. The vehicle also loses power. The force of the AC blower seems to decrease too. If I turn off the AC, the problem goes away. It does not ALWAYS do this when I turn on the AC but it does it 9 times out of 10 - enough that I am afraid to run the AC for fear of being stranded somewhere. Any ideas what the problem is? Thank you in advance for your help.

5 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

See my profile. Recent Posts. It really sounds like your A/C clutch is freewheeling like it should when A/C is off.

(Defrost also engages A/C clutch, and may result in same squealing)

It sounds like when A/C Clutch engages A/C COMPRESSOR (A/C ON or DEFROST)The compressor locks up and either, that Pulley can no longer turn or is barely turning.

The engine strain is Horsepower. Trying to pull against.A Dead Pulley

The squealing is your belt, in the "BURNING MODE" thru the DEAD/ DYING pulley, and will soon FAIL, if you continue with current condition. No Belt. If you drove it too long. No water pump circulation. FRIED HEAD(S). STRANDED.$$$ REPAIRS $$$

This could be from TOO MUCH REFRIGERENT or your COMPRESSOR BEARINGS ETC. ARE BAD, or something else (I cannot see it from here!)

If you took it to a REPUTABLE shop, maybe it might have some sort of warranty, especially if its overcharged. You know, by the "NEW GUY". Especially if a Cell Phone was in the equation!

If you took it to JIMBOB---I saw Bob Vila do this once, you might be in trouble.

Defitely NO TAKEY BACK TO JIMBOB, He may have already displayed his know-how. WANT A DOUBLE-DIP?

REPLY?

Love, Turddog

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Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 AT 9:55 PM

WVHAVEN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Dear Turdog,

It ONLY squeals when the AC is on. And it does not ALWAYS squeal when the AC is on.

Although two or three times I have had the RPMS drop to zero AND the battery charge indicator go to zero with nothing else running, just going down the road about 25 mph.

Any chance it is just a belt tensioner problem?

Does this additional info change anything in your answer?

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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 5:28 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

If you thoroughly checked out my profile, investigated my votes, particularly the NEG one, you will see I am a Member here, like you.

I am no Expert, BUT-BUT-BUT I do know some stuff about "mechanicing" (I do mine, family, and friends) and I am ONLY trying to get you squared away and on the road!

Run "Defrost and Heat" mode (whatever it takes to get Hot air on your windshield) Since I am unfamiliar with your particular rig---see if squealing occurs, giving this factor a Fair Shake.

If it were tensioner, I would think, the problem would be constant.

I stand, UNMOVED, with my 1st "Nelsomatic Diagnosis"----something wrong with Mr. Compressor.

I will try for "BETTER HELP HERE"

Do not reply to this post, or my next post---WAIT for another response from another guy---then If you want to respond to me. Please do.I like replies!

Love, Turddog

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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 8:02 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

IS THERE ANOTHER DOCTOR--IN THE HOUSE?--NEED SECOND OPINION

Love, Turddog

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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 8:04 AM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Check the serpentine belt, and tensioner pulley, after 174,000 both need changing. Belt may be slipping and causing both the squeal, and the low charge indicator light.