2nd Gen AC issue

I know there could be a thousand issues that can cause my problem but I'm hoping I can narrow it down here.

I have 2012 v6 pre-runner that's been leaking refrigerant for a couple of year. It's been blowing warm again lately so decided to charge it again with one small can which is what I've done in the past.

This time it started making odd sounds occasionally making a burp or fart sound followed by a small cloud coming out from under the hood. I'm guessing I overcharged it.

More recently, the AC button started flashing and belt squeals when on. If turn it off the flashing and the squeal stops.

I'm guessing the clutch is shot or compressor is locked up or both.

Does anyone have a recommendation on how to diagnose the problem or maybe a resource I can use to diagnose and fix it?

 

could be a handful of issues
using a can is one of them

no

recharging and inspecting

 

Over charged.

 

You need a proper manifold gauge to accurately diagnose a/c issues.
However given the circumstances, with the engine off and key away try to spin the front part of the a/c compressor by hand. The pulley the belt rides on is separe and the centre part should spin with maybe a phone book on a sheet of paper worth of resistance. If it doesn't spin your compressor is poached.

For future reference the "a/c recharge cans" (propane) are more problems than they're worth. I've tried them on a few beaters I had with bone dry systems with various amounts of oil, proper vacuum and charge procedure etc. they've always caused compressor issues. Last one I tried on I ran it for 5 mins to check everything, heard the compressor start to knock and immediately shut it down, evacuated the system, and charged with actual refrigerant and everything was kosher.

Also know that you may have to pay a premium now that the system is contaminated with the improper refrigerant as typically shops now all have machines which will "recycle" what it pulls out and if they contaminate that tank it's game over and they'll probably want to charge you for a full tank unless they did their due diligence and used an identifier first.

A/c work isn't hard but without training of some sort it's witchcraft like electricity