Sparking ac compressor

Last night my ac light started flashing. This morning while trying to diagnose the problem I noticed that when I try to turn the ac on sparks come down out of the clutch on the front of the ac compressor. There is also a smell similar to when someone is riding their brakes. I forsee an ac compressor replacement in my future but my question to the community on this forum is if there is a problem within the ac clutch will the pulley still turn properly and not damage the serpentine belt if I drive it with the ac turned off? I have a 400 mile drive to make to get back home. Thanks ahead of time for your input.

 

From what you are describing it sound like the electromagnet behind the clutch is burning up. As long as the bearings in the clutch are ok you should have no problem. If the clutch starts making grinding noises or becomes hard to turn(take belt off and spin by hand), then the clutch bearings could seize and burn your belt off. Unplug the electrical connection from the ac compressor(it will turn on when you turn on the windshield defroster) and you should be ok.

 

Thank you Hugh Morron. The bearings seem to be okay. I pulled the electromagnet relay and will continue my trip. I'll search later but anyone know if the electromagnet can be replaced or do I need to buy the entire compressor unit? Thanks again.

 

Yes you can just replace that part but it is probably only available through a dealer and you need a special puller to remove the clutch and bearing.

 

My clutch went bad on my AC compressor, the clutch itself from the dealer was more then a complete assy (comp and clutch) aftermarket.
Fairly straightforward to do both, but the only downside is you have to evacuate and fill the system.

I would also check to see if you can turn the compressor, it maybe that your clutch is ok, but the compressor could be seized.

Shawn.