AC Light Blinking, Ideas?

AC light has been blinking for a while now, wondering if anybody has any idea what it could be. Here's everything I know about the problem

Truck: 2010 Tacoma V6 4WD

Ever since I bought the truck at 115k miles a year ago, I noticed the fan works at either full blast or off. Occasionally the middle fan setting will work, but its very random.

at 150k miles, a couple weeks ago, I was idling with the AC on and as I shut off my engine I noticed some kind of knocking sound, and upon exiting the vehicle a strange smell was present that I cant describe (I forgot what it smelled like).

The next day, I turn on the AC and after a few seconds, the light starts blinking. I looked and in those few seconds, I can clearly see the clutch engaging, then disengaging and the light turns on.

I'm kinda new to AC systems but I cant afford to take it to a shop, any ideas on what to look at first? I've seen this write up already but I basically only have $300 to fix this issue and its hot as balls in Houston.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-light-blinking-troubleshooting-guide.440200/

 

The full blast or Off is likely the blower motor resistor,
The flashing light is going to take an actual diagnosis, as it only flash if there is a system fault.
If you’re on a budget, you don’t have much choice other than following the info in the link.

I dread the day I have to “work” on mine.
I’ll likely run with the windows down, as I find AC work intimidating.