A/C is blowing out warm air

JAMESG14

MEMBER
2016 CHRYSLER 200
2.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

Hello all, I just experienced this issue recently and I'm looking for a diagnosis. I was driving yesterday with my A/C on, it working just fine. As I came to a stop, I went to accelerate. But when I pressed on the pedal, I didn't get anything. So I stopped and put the car in park, then proceeded until I got to my house. Shortly after continuing, I noticed that cold air was no longer coming out of the vents. And when I got to my house I popped the hood and I could smell a strong burning smell. And now no cold air is coming out of the vents. Just warm air, not too hot.

For some months I've been noticing an issue that when my car is at idle. And I have the A/C on, sometimes the motor will shake. It usually happens when the A/C is on full blast.

I've done some looking online, I saw where it could be A/C compressor failure. So I looked at the A/C compressor to see if the clutch was engaging. The clutch is engaging, but still no cold air coming out. Also the belt is also spinning. So I'm wondering if a A/C compressor can be bad, but the clutch still engages.I did notice that there was some wear and tear on the clutch. Rubber pieces around it, has begun to tear away. Also when I cut on the A/C the burning smell comes back.

9 Replies

JAMESG14

MEMBER
36 POSTS

I also checked the fuse for the A/C compressor and it was good.

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Friday, July 5th, 2019 AT 5:17 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Based on your description, it sounds like the compressor has locked up. When the AC is in the off position, the pulley on the compressor spins freely, without resistance. When you turn the AC on, you will hear the clutch on the compressor click which engages the compressor. The clutch is the center part of the pulley. If you look when the AC is off, you will see it isn't moving. When on, it should spin. If the compressor is locked or in the process of locking, the belt may be slipping on the pulley and causing the burning smell.

Try this, with the AC off, open the hood. Have a helper in the vehicle. Watch the AC compressor while the helper turns the AC on. See if smoke starts coming from the AC pulley area. Also, pay attention if the center (clutch) of the pulley is spinning.

I attached a picture of an AC compressor and with terrible accuracy, I circled the clutch portion. That portion should only spin when the AC is engaged and not when it is off. See if it does when the AC is turned on.

Check that and let me know what you find.

Joe

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Friday, July 5th, 2019 AT 5:58 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening,

Yes, you have a failed compressor. The clutch is coming apart. My question is why? Excessive pressure is a common reason for this failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

You will need to replace the compressor, dryer and expansion valve. The system will have to be cleaned of all debris and then evacuated and charged.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Roy

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Friday, July 5th, 2019 AT 6:04 PM

JAMESG14

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Thanks guys for the help and advice. I know very little about cars.

Joe, I was looking earlier at the compressor. And it appeared that the clutch was spinning. But I could only see from the top. With the way it's positioned, it's facing the side. So I can't really get a clear shot of the clutch piece you circled. But i'm thinking I was looking at the wrong thing, because of my lack of experience. I wonder if I can try spinning it by hand and seeing if it turns?

I will continue this in the morning (EST). And I'll post an update.

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Friday, July 5th, 2019 AT 7:01 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Welcome back:

Spinning by hand won't work. Remember, the outside of the pulley where the belt rides will most likely always turn. It is the center that we need to know about. The center has an electromagnetic clutch that reacts when power is applied to it. It plungers inward and engages the compressor.

Because it is hard to see, do this. Have a helper with you, open the hood, and have the helper start the car with the AC off. Have the helper turn the AC on while you watch the compressor to see if you can tell. Also, and more importantly because of its location, it should make an audible clicking when it engages. One click each time it engages. See if you are able to hear it at the same time you are watching it.

Please stay clear of the belts and moving components. Don't have anything that can dangle down and get caught by the belt.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe