I have a 2003 Grand Caravan 3.3 L 72,000 miles, rear AC. When the van first starts everything is fine, it is not until the van is hot and the AC has been running a while that the problem occurs. When stopped and at idle the belt starts to squeak. If the AC is shut off the squeak goes away, if the RPMs are increased the squeak goes away. The idle speed is 650 rpm when this occurs. The compressor was replaced at 50,000 miles by the dealer, I would say this started 10,000 miles later. The AC works fine. I have had the charge (refrigerant) level checked and all is within normal operating parameters. I have recently replaced the water pump, belt tensioner and belt. No difference. Is 650 the correct idle speed? Should this increase when the AC compressor engages?

I hate to remove a pefectly good compressor and am trying to explore all options first. All ideas welcome.

Thanks!!!

i had something like that after replacing serpentine belt on my'96 3.3 and it turned out I had misrouted the belt, I had run the belt under the water pump pulley and it goes over the top of that pulley.

Thanks Bear but I'm afraid that's not the case on mine.

...it is not until the van is hot and the AC has been running a while that the problem occurs. When stopped and at idle the belt starts to squeak. If the AC is shut off the squeak goes away, if the RPMs are increased the squeak goes away.

Replace the idler pulley. For even less noise, I use Goodyear's Gatorback drive belts.

OK Dora, I will give it a try. It looks like Autozone carries Gatorback and the idler. I will let you know, I have my doubts though.

I have the same problem, but if you are still dealing with it I may be able to help. I replaced my Serpuntine Belt the other day and then the same problem started, squeaks with the AC and with a sharp turn. The Tensionizer Arms tend to seize and not do their job right. I took a one inch dowel ran it up through the bottom of my car to the tension arm and beat it with a hammer. It tightened up and doesnt squeak... Unorthodox solution to not paying to replace the arm...

I have a 00 3.8l GC.