Greetings everyone!
I have a 2006 XC90 T5 with 145,000 miles.
Several days before, I noticed as the vehicle was running and I was standing outside that the a/c compressor (or the clutch) was pretty noisy when engaged, but it still blew cold.
Today the a/c was blowing only hot air.
After 1 mile of driving, I pulled off, opened the hood, and some smoke was coming from the compressor area (must have gotten pretty hot).
I turned the a/c controller to 'off', and no smoke (but also no a/c).
Have any of you experienced this?
I'm assuming that even though the clutch may have been engaging properly, the compressor was refusing to turn (only assuming here).
Because I don't want to have to disconnect, replace and recharge the compressor unless I absolutely have to, do any of you think I can just put in a new clutch kit, or do you feel a totally new compressor would be the answer?
I truly appreciate any thoughts!

 

You want to find out what is actually wrong with the system before you start throwing parts at it.

With the engine off see if the outer part of the compressor clutch pulley (the part that pulls in when the AC is activated) will spin. This is what is attached to the working guts of the compressor. If it does not spin then you have issues inside the compressor. Pull the belt and see how freely the pulley spins.

 

Thanks for the quick response!

Yea...the compressor won't budge.

With the belt off, the pully spins freely, but is noisy.

Looks like I'll be replacing the compressor, right?

I'm assuming I should replace the condenser/drier as well?

Do you also recommend replacing the expansion valve?

Any other parts I should consider replacing outside of o-rings?


Thanks for all your help!

 

1 Sorry to hear that
2 Yes
3 Yes
4 NO, unless it's clogged, you will know that after the system is recharged by the pressures
5 Perhaps the serpentine belt if it was damaged from the overheating compressor, or is 60,000 miles old. It will be off anyway -

 

Much appreciated to both of you.

I don't come across a/c issues very often and your responses have been very helpful..