Loud Squealing noise when using air conditioning?

BRITTNEYRENA

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
164,000 MILES

Hello, I have the car listed above that recently started to make a squealing sound when the air conditioner is engaged. The car still ran fine until two weeks ago it will not start, and belt attached to the air compressor is barely moving when I attempt to crank it.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Based on your description, the A/C compressor has locked up preventing the starter from turning the engine.

Remove the belt and see if the vehicle starts. You won't be able to drive it this way because the alternator and A/C compressor use the same belt. But it will let us know if the compressor is the issue.

If it starts normally, turn the engine off and see if you are able to turn the compressor pulley by hand.

I attached a pic below showing the belt and accessories. Loosen the three bolts that are highlighted with yellow and circled with red. Loosen them, don't remove them.

Next, in green, I indicated the adjuster screw. Loosen that bolt until you are able to remove the belt.

If you are not in need of AC at this time, you can get a belt for a vehicle without AC that will work, so let me know how you want to handle it.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)