2009 Tacoma TRD 4.0 -Getting a loud screech when I put the A/C

I get a load screech when I put the a/c on and the light blinks off and on. Obviously no cold air. Thinking it is the a/c clutch. What is the easiest way to confirm or should I just replace the entire compressor?

 

AC Compressor is locked up. Look under the hood (when somebody else turns on the AC) and you'll see what I mean. The belt will be slipping on the AC pulley.

 

You got bigger problems than just the compressor.

 

If the compressor blows it sends shrapnel and metal fragments throughout the system. At a minimum there would be a compressor and clutch assembly, Condenser/dryer assembly, inline filter replacement and system flush.

You may also have to replace the expansion TX Valve and evaporator, but the inline filter should protect these components.

 

This is for sure the correct shop way. Obviously a bigger cost which is a downer. I've found just going old school and taking a long pry bar or wood broom handle, and listening to the compressor (or whatever else you want, not relevant to listen to something like your Alt, just if someone somehow wasn't aware of this) you can get a decent enough guess on it's condition.

 

During the repair, don't forget to replace the serpentine belt.

 

The loud squealing indicates that the compressor is already locked up. The damage is already done.

 

The amount of confidence in answers is mind blowing.

And I'm gonna still full on agree with Jimmyh. It could be blown, ok. We can assume or ask how much OP has turned it on and off. So, whatever potential further damage that could have maybe MAYBE been mitigated, is more than likely already done. It's been ran, one way or another. Defrost? It's on. So I'm not sure why we are disabling shit at this point. I guess if you want to unplug a button because you think you might push it, because the compressor is *CLEARLY* blown because of a belt squeak. Go for it. I mean, if you have 1 sidewall puncture at this point do you think another will be the one that kills the tire?


I very dislike part hangers, and instant conclusions. With the most little amount of information provided, we have diagnosed terminal cancer.

Or, be rational. Take the belt off, see how the pump feels, inspect the clutch assembly, then check the tensioner, maybe something like adding the extra load of AC from just coming out of winter is making a bearing squeal.... etc. I think AC compressors have bearings too. Pretty hard to confuse the two noises, but I've heard of stranger things.

 

Welcome to TW. Sorry your AC is out!

It’s a blown compressor & it’s going to wreck the system. Leave it turned off. If you smelled burned stuff take it to Toyota ASAP. Mine did the same thing last summer. I was stuck in traffic in the heat for hours & it blew 1 week later. Had no choice in that traffic. AC shop wanted over 2k - Toyota replaced the compressor, clutch & tensioner for 1,500. Get it fixed right away because it will continue to break down when u accidentally turn it on. It’s an expensive fix & in the summer more AC units in vehicles start to break down. At that point you just have to get in line. Get it fixed before summer because that’s when fixing an AC unit gets even more costly. GL OP sorry it’s pricey