Compressor OR Clutch Assembly

97 Caravan A/C quit working yesterday.Wife said could smell something burning.Looked to me like clutch not engaging but pulley is turning.Past 3 years I have had to add freon each summer but then would work ok.Freon level is still ok but compressor will not come on.I thought if it was compressor failure freon would leak out?? Anyway to check clutch assemby so maybe can get by another year without replacing compressor?

With the engine off, you could try running a 12 volt jumper wire to the plug on the A/C clutch. You could then see if applying voltage makes it engage.

Measure the clearance between the compressor clutch plate and the pulley. The clearance should be 0.016 - 0.031 in. If it is more than that, the clutch may be slipping or not engaging. If the clearance is too wide, there are often shims underneath the clutch plate that can be removed, but you will probably need a puller to get the plate off. Do not try to lever it off with screwdrivers. You WILL wreck it if you do that.