2006 Ford Freestyle AC burnt smell and smoke

Tiny
MICHELLEROX
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD FREESTYLE
  • 81,000 MILES
When I turn my ac on I hear a whining noise. I then see smoke pour out from under the hood and smell a burnt plastic like odor. I can't afford to put it in the shop at that moment but I'm trying to get an idea of what I'm facing as far as what's going to need to be replaced.

It was suggested my compressor went out but everything I've read only says it'll stop blowing cold when the compressor goes out. Is it my ac clutch, or is that part of my compressor?
Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 3:36 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Ok, since it only does it when you engage your A/C most likely the A/C Compressor is Locked up. It is not the A/C Clutch(which is on the front of your A/C Compressor) if it was you the noise and see and smell the smoke once you started it. And the smoke and smell is the belt dragging across the pulley because the compressor is locked up.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 3:48 PM
Tiny
MICHELLEROX
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  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for your quick response! No chance of "unlocking" the compressor huh? Just kidding.

So good chance the compressor will be the only thing needing replacement?
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
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Well, I would recommend replacing the Belt also. Since it was drug across the pulley causing squeal and smoke, it has weakened the cords and the rubber which could at some point more sooner than later stranded because it has broken.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
MICHELLEROX
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok Thank you very much for explaining it all to me, I greatly appreciate it! Although, I was hoping to hear it was a $10 doohicky that was the culprit. One can dream! Thanks again!
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Well, on these newer vehicles I haven't seen any of those $10 doohickies. They seem to now be $100 or more doohickies. Lol

And your most likely looking at a $800 or more, hopefully less, for the repair.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 5:11 PM

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