Check to make sure the AC pulley that is turned by the accessory drive belt can turn independent of itself. The accessory drive belt is located on the passenger's side of the vehicle, it's a long belt that you'll notice wraps around several pulleys. Be sure to note exactly how it wraps there. If you need, draw a diagram of it so you do not lose track of it, as not wrapping it properly will result in your water pump, air conditioner, alternator, and a few other things will not work without it wrapped on those pulleys properly.
Underneath the alternator (it's the one at the top), there is a small pulley that will stick out from the rest because it will have a bolt coming from the middle. That is the auto-tensioner, and BEWARE, it's spring-loaded and VERY HARD to move. You'll need to take a crescent (AKA adjustable/fit-all) wrench and turn it counter-clockwise to relieve the tension on the belt. Slip the belt off whichever pulley you feel comfortable with getting it off, first. Release your auto-tensioner and check EVERY pull by hand, turning it to make sure it can move freely. Starting from the alternator, going counter-clockwise, I believe the accessories are in this order along the belt: alternator, power steering, auto-tensioner, water pump, AC, and air pump (I'm not certain of that last one, I'm not 100% on that at the moment). If you cannot spin those pulleys by hand, then you need that part replaced.
I recommend you first ask your mechanic to check this if you are unable to do the work yourself.
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Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 8:45 PM
