Today my 97 Plymouth Breeze started smoking. The smoke was coming from the air-conditioner compressor (or the belt). The car was brought to a main-stream auto repair shop, where I was told I would need a new compressor and various other parts totaling $1200 + tax. I asked if the A/C could just be bypassed and was told it could not.
After speaking with various other people and auto-parts stores, I discovered that not only was it possible to bypass the A/C, but there is actually a part called a 'bypass pulley.' I was also told that by simply turning the A/C off, the belt would be free to move.
I guess my question is really how to bypass the A/C and would turning the A/C off fix the problem on a seized compressor (vs. just a compressor that simply wasn't working, but not seized).
2007-08-16 16:22:06 · 5 answers · asked by Seth M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
To anyone who previously answered and has come back:
This afternoon I had the option of towing the car to a different location (Thanks to AAA). Of course. Anything to get it out of the mainstream mechanics' shop.
A few people around town had told me I could simply turn the A/C off and the clutch would disengage and allow the belt to free-wheel. We figured that since the tow truck was on the way, we might as well test that. So we turn the A/C off and fired her up. After about 10 minutes, everything seemed to be running fine. , so I drove the car home. When I arrived, the I lifted the hood and smelled no burning and everything was still running fine.
Granted, this was not the smartest option, and I will still try to have it looked it through less money-hungry eyes. If anyone has any input like "Don't do that again!" then feel free to post. It may have just been luck.,
Thanks.
2007-08-17 11:57:11 · update #1
if the ac compressor is locked up this doesnt mean the pulley on the front of the compressor is locked up, they are two different pieces. the ac compressor pulley is there turning in circles when the compressor is running or not. OK, now if that bearing is locked up you CAN just replace the pulley and not the whole compressor. and if the pulley is locked up this probably means the compressor is good and the ac still works. good luck ..................
2007-08-16 16:31:15 · answer #1 · answered by Christian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you determine if the ac compressor has seized or has the clutch bearing seized? You may just need to swap out your clutch and save the ac compressor. That way you don't have to evacuate the refrigerant. You will have to buy/rent the proper puller for the job. I would disconnect the wiring harness and start the car. If everything moves freely then your compressor is bad. If the belt is smoking/squealing then the clutch is locked up. Do this test before replacing your belt.
Good luck,
G
2007-08-17 00:35:07 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think some Plymouth Breeze came without an a/c, so I would look for the belt it uses and use that belt instead so you can bypass the compressor.
2007-08-17 00:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by turbocivic89 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes take off the existing belt go to parts store and get a smaller belt lengthwise also most vehicles have a picturegram for belt route with ac and without write back and let me know how it went and i am a mechanic by the way too.
2007-08-16 23:35:08 · answer #4 · answered by brianwinn35 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it has a separate belt, remove it.
2007-08-16 23:26:26 · answer #5 · answered by Don W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋