Suddenly the car would not start my engine wont crank over

WEPHILLIPS

MEMBER
2008 VOLVO XC90
3.2L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
75,000 MILES

The origin of this problem is complicated. First, we live in Cambodia. There are no Volvo mechanics here. A few months ago, our alternator went out. We ordered a new one online from the US and had it shipped to us (we work at a US Embassy so this is the best option). We had the only mechanic in town who has any experience with Volvo's (there are three others in town) install the alternator. He also installed a used belt. Within a few days of the car working, the AC compressor went out. I knew this was coming because it was old. The plan was to drive around without the AC on until the new compressor arrived in the mail, but then suddenly the car would not start. The new battery was dead. We jumped it, but there was a deafening screech from a belt. Alarmed, turned the car off. We had the mechanic who installed the alternator come and check the vehicle, and they tested the battery and alternator said both were fine. They said the screeching must be from "another belt attached to the compressor." They said the bad compressor was keeping the car from starting. I don't know a lot about engines, but this did not sound right. First of all, I'm not aware of another belt attached to a compressor. Secondly, why would a compressor keep a car from starting (with AC off) and drain the battery within a fifteen minuted drive? My suspicion is that they installed the alternator incorrectly. We are in a bind here because there literally is no place to take this car. We need help from you online. Thank you so much in advance.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi and welcome to 2CarPros.

First, there is only one belt on the vehicle, a serpentine belt. It drives all accessories including the alternator and ac compressor. If the alternator wasn't an issue after he replaced it, chances are it should be fine unless he left something loose which could be binding the belt. Next, if the AC compressor clutch has locked up, it will both prevent the engine from turning and make a lot of squealing noise because the belt is trying to turn something it can't. The easiest thing to do in this case is to remove the serpentine belt and see if the car starts normally after doing that. If it does, then it confirms it is one of the belt driven accessories. And yes, I have seen situations where a locked up AC compressor clutch prevented the engine from turning with the starter.

With all of that in mind, first inspect the alternator to confirm it is still mounted properly and tight. If it is, remove the belt and see if you can turn the AC compressor pulley. If you can't, that's the problem.

As far as the battery drain, if the starter can't turn the engine but you keep trying, it will drain the battery quickly because of the added load.

I attached four pictures for you to see. Pictures 1, 2, and 3 show what is required to remove the belt. Picture 4 shows the AC compressor. Before you do this, I would recommend disconnecting the battery.

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe

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Sunday, February 17th, 2019 AT 5:56 PM

WEPHILLIPS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Joe. Huge appreciation for taking the time to provide such a detailed answer. You've given me helpful marching orders. It'll take me a while to report on the results. I'm traveling and we don't have any tools, moving weight limitations being what they are. In the meantime, I want to order a new compressor since I already know it needs to be replaced. I was going to order this kit: https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/2008/Volvo/XC90/A-C_Compressor_and_Components_Kit/60-88243_R4?xref=2822881. Is there any other part I should get when buying a new compressor? Perhaps a AC Compressor Line Hose? I'm also going to get a new serpentine belt because the one the mechanic used was old and looked very worn. Thanks.

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Sunday, February 17th, 2019 AT 7:00 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Welcome back:

That looks like what you need. However, without knowing the history of the old AC compressor, I can't recommend anything with certainty. I don't want you to waste money. I will say this. All AC systems in vehicles work basically the same. With that in mind, if your mechanic has worked on them before, he should be fine with your vehicle.

Regardless, let me know if you have other questions or need help with anything. And, the belt is a good idea.

Take care,
Joe

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Sunday, February 17th, 2019 AT 7:24 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,463 POSTS

If the issue is an internally failed compressor and not just the clutch you will likely need a few more parts. That is because the internal parts will usually chew themselves up and the small pieces end up going into the lines and other parts as the system starts to fail. At the very least a full flushing of the system is needed. Usually though you end up replacing most of the system to be sure everything is gone and you don't destroy the new compressor. There are line filters you could install as well to keep the metal out but they are not real common items.

I would probably see if it is the clutch bearing only that has failed (you should be able to rotate the compressor shaft bolt if it is the clutch bearing. If it doesn't move then plan on more work.

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Monday, February 18th, 2019 AT 5:18 PM

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,411 POSTS

Just to add to it, the alternator does have a separate belt since the read unit is what drives the alternator. It is a very small round belt (See image below). The power steering and A/C compressor are driven by another belt in back of the engine. A seized A/C compressor can cause the engine not to turn over. As stated earlier, remove the A/C belt to see if it turns over normally.

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