2001 3.3L engine AC Compressor noises

[Augdog74]

My AC quit working today and I started to hear grinding noises from under the hood. It doesn't matter if the AC is off or on, it will make noise half of the time. There was some smoke and sparks and I'm assuming that there is probably a clutch or bearing problem on my compressor. That seems to be where the smoke is coming from. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Will I have to get a whole different compressor or could there be a simpler solution?

[GTP Dad]

The compressor has locked up or the bearing has gone out and is causing the problem. Unfortunately you will need a lot more than a compressor to repair it. You will need a new dryer, accumulator and will have to have the system flushed, cleaned, evacuated and recharged before it will work properly again. I would take to an AC shop for the repairs.

[Augdog74]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

The compressor has locked up or the bearing has gone out and is causing the problem. Unfortunately you will need a lot more than a compressor to repair it. You will need a new dryer, accumulator and will have to have the system flushed, cleaned, evacuated and recharged before it will work properly again. I would take to an AC shop for the repairs.

Wow, how much does that usually cost?

[cak962]

Very interested in the solution to this. Just happened to me yesterday, AC quit, clicking noises start intermittently. Tried diagnosis w/ code reader and nothing registered... Makes noises w/ or w/o the AC on!

Originally Posted by Augdog74

My AC quit working today and I started to hear grinding noises from under the hood. It doesn't matter if the AC is off or on, it will make noise half of the time. There was some smoke and sparks and I'm assuming that there is probably a clutch or bearing problem on my compressor. That seems to be where the smoke is coming from. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Will I have to get a whole different compressor or could there be a simpler solution?

[GTP Dad]

It will cost approx. $750 to $1000 to replace all these items if you purchase new parts. You can probably find a used compressor at a wrecking yard for much less and purchase the remaining parts as they should be new. Labor charges may make the cost higher or lower. As for it making the noise with or without the AC being turned on that is due to the shaft turning on the bearing. Sorry for the bad news.

[cak962]

Not good, hopefully the extended warranty will cover it...
Thanks for the info, this seems like a very informative site!!

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

It will cost approx. $750 to $1000 to replace all these items if you purchase new parts. You can probably find a used compressor at a wrecking yard for much less and purchase the remaining parts as they should be new. Labor charges may make the cost higher or lower. As for it making the noise with or without the AC being turned on that is due to the shaft turning on the bearing. Sorry for the bad news.

[wireman2]

Found this information, may help
2001-2003 minivans with the 3.3 or 3.8 liter engine have
an air conditioner compressor warranty extension to 7 years, 70,000 miles if
they fit the following description. This includes not just replacing the
compressor and related lines, but also checking the computer to see if the
correct software is used, and checking (and presumably replacing) the receiver-
drier. See warranty bulletin D-03-12 or TSB 24-004-04. This applies
specifically to "RS vehicles with the 3.3 or 3.8 engine (sales code ega, egh,
or egm) and a single a/c system (sales code haa or had) built on or before
February 23, 2003 (MDH 0223xx) or a dual a/c system (sales code hbb) built on
or before April 1, 2003 (MDH 0401xx) and RG vehicles equipped with a 3.3l
engine (sales code ega) and a single a/c system (sales code haa, had, or haj)
built on or before April 7, 2003 (mdh 0407xx) or a dual a/c system (sales code
hah) built on or before May 27, 2003 (mdh 0527xx)." The problem is failure due
a lack of lubrication (presumably the updated software periodically runs the
system to ensure lubrciation.

[Augdog74]

Originally Posted by wireman2

Found this information, may help
2001-2003 minivans with the 3.3 or 3.8 liter engine have
an air conditioner compressor warranty extension to 7 years, 70,000 miles if
they fit the following description. This includes not just replacing the
compressor and related lines, but also checking the computer to see if the
correct software is used, and checking (and presumably replacing) the receiver-
drier. See warranty bulletin D-03-12 or TSB 24-004-04. This applies
specifically to "RS vehicles with the 3.3 or 3.8 engine (sales code ega, egh,
or egm) and a single a/c system (sales code haa or had) built on or before
February 23, 2003 (MDH 0223xx) or a dual a/c system (sales code hbb) built on
or before April 1, 2003 (MDH 0401xx) and RG vehicles equipped with a 3.3l
engine (sales code ega) and a single a/c system (sales code haa, had, or haj)
built on or before April 7, 2003 (mdh 0407xx) or a dual a/c system (sales code
hah) built on or before May 27, 2003 (mdh 0527xx)." The problem is failure due
a lack of lubrication (presumably the updated software periodically runs the
system to ensure lubrciation.

Thanks a million Wireman! I just found out that my compressor was shot and the mechanic quoted me about $800. He was on the phone ordering a compressor when I came back to my office and checked my thread. I called my dealership, and supposedly, I'm covered! Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. Beings I didn't buy a warranty when I bought my van, used, I figured I wasn't covered. I guess from now on I need to call them and check for warranties on major repairs. Thanks again, you just saved me $800 worth of pain!

[wireman2]

Glad to hear that.