2001 Ford Taurus AC Compressor Seized

2001 FORD WINDSTAR
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CACADD94
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello, glad i found this site. So many people have told me so many things. Ive been told that the AC compressor/clutch is froze,the belt has broken off. Plus it is having trouble starting. Now the check engine light is on. The oil can light is on. The battery light is on. The steering is tight now. Im not driving it anymore. Before it was smelling for like 6 months like a sweet smell. We replaced the thermostat, the water pump, the overflow container, flushed the heater core. flushed the anti freeze. Theres also no heat. My mechanic says i need the heater line flushed its clogged. So does this sound right?
thanks,april
Dec 16, 2006 at 12:22 PM
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BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
you'll need to replace the ac compressor if you want ac, plus it'll egauge on defrost mode also. i would get the compressor issue fixed first. when the belt breaks all those symptoms you describe will happen. now due to the heating issue i would look into the heater core also. you can test this by touching the heater hoses going into the firewall, they should both be hot at normal running temperature. if not you can try flushing it out, but more than likely you'll have to replace the heater core
Dec 16, 2006 at 11:34 PM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the seized AC compressor first so the drive belt can be restored and the charging, oil-pressure, steering, and starting symptoms can be addressed. For no heat, compare the heater hoses at the firewall at normal temperature; if both are not hot, flush the heater core, but replacement is more likely.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2001 Ford Taurus reported a seized AC compressor, a broken belt, hard starting, tight steering, warning lights, a long-standing sweet smell, and no heat after cooling-system repairs. The expert said the broken belt explains those running symptoms and recommended replacing the compressor first, including because it engages in defrost. For the heat problem, both heater hoses should be hot at normal temperature; otherwise flush the heater core, though replacement is more likely.

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