1995 Buick Roadmaster squeals then something locks up

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1995 BUICK ROADMASTER

Noises problem
1995 Buick Roadmaster Automatic 220000 miles

When I turn the key in the ignition, something squeals loudly and then it feels like something locks up. The car will start but it takes a second and the noise is horrid. Won't drive it for fear of causing more damage. A friend briefly looked at it and suggested the possibility of something involving the AC and a pulley? He said the belt is burning. However, he is not an expert and a more specific possibility would be appreciated.

1 Reply

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

Sounds like your friend has it nailed. When the compressor clutch goes bad and locks-up the belt (driven by the crankshaft) continues to turn on the pulley. This causes a terrible noise and smoke is often seen because the belt gets hot as it goes over the now stationary a/c pulley.