noise from the compressor

[windsor_linc93]

I posted back in the summer about a faulty compressor. Here is my new question......I called a local garage this week to get the compressor fixed because windows are starting to fog up in the morning and when I tried to use the heat/front defrost, the compressor started making a loud screeching sound just like when the a/c was run. For about the past week and a half, a very loud noise was coming from the area of the compressor when the car was started, even though the climate control was turned off. It would quiet down after a minute or two, but could still be heard while driving. I was told not to get the compressor fixed this late in the season, and that the a/c could just be disconnected. I was charged $29 Cdn for this to be done, and when I started my car to go home, there was no noise, nor was their one when I drove home.

This morning, the noise was back! When I use the heat/defrost (it's not that cold here, but I wanted to check it out), the loud screeching noise was not there, and it worked fine like I was told it would, but that "other" noise was still there. It quieted down like before, but could still be heard somewhat while driving.

My husband looked under the hood and said that the belt still runs through the compressor, so even though it is disconnected, he thinks it is still being used, and I should pay the $1000 Cdn now to get it fixed. He really doesn't know that much about cars, so I thought I would throw the scenario out at you guys and girls who know so much more than we do about these cars.

Is it possible the compressor is still making this noise, or should I bring the car back in????????????

 

[crookshanks]

With the belt running through the compressor, it is still going to spin the pulley. I would imagine that if the pulley is bad that it is still going to make the noise. I would check to see if you can get the pulley replaced or just get a new/used compressor.

By the way, what year Continental?

 

[windsor_linc93]

It's a '94 Executive Series. I ended up paying for a new compressor last week. I went to start my car one day after work, and it would not start..well it turned over, then stalled. Smoke once again started billowing out from under the hood, and after opening it, we could see that the belt was trying to move and was burning because the compressor finally seized. We took the car to the local Ford dealership so that it would be done "right", or hopefully so. The mechanic said he could fix the pulley like you suggested, but we just decided to fix the whole thing. We still get some hot days until October around here (across the river from Detroit) thanks to the Great Lakes, and who knows if we will have the money come spring. I appreciate the advice though. Thanks!

 

[Frat-man-du]

Similar issue on a 1992 Grand Marque Police edition. All kinds of scary sounds, and yes these auto use the a/c compressor when using defrost. Finally it got to the point where you were - I had to cough up the $1000 to get the compressor replaced and the system recharged. The dealer didn't flush the lines nor did they put a new dryer in (rookie mistake). The compressor froze again in 100 miles. They had to redo everything at that point...condenser, lines compressor receiver /dryer, etc.. on their dime (thank goodness). Never needed anything again in the a/c system for 100,000.

Glad to see you got it fixed. Enjoy!