AC compressor issue

Hi Helenmarks,

The could be related if the compressor froze and the belt is putting to much tension on the crank for the starter to turn it. I would suggest removing the serpentine belt and trying to start the vehicle. If it starts with the belt off then they are most likely related. If it still does not start then you have another issue. However, when a compressor is grinding, it is close to the bearing locking up. Once this happens it cannot spin any longer and the serpentine belt is connected to this pulley and the crank shaft. Normally the starter is strong enough to turn it anyway but this would cause the belt to heat up and brake. In some cases the starter is not strong enough and the engine is just stuck until the belt and compressor are removed and repaired.

Let me know what happens when the belt is off and we can go from there.

Here is a video of an AC compressor stopping a Jeep from starting because the clutch bearing failed. Could be the same issue with yours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9XRrbYDIps