Ac compressor seized

30

Asked by Mike Dec 27, 2018 at 12:53 PM about the 2004 Mercury Sable LS Premium Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Is there any way to bypass the compressor it has seized and burned up the
belt and have not been able to release it.

5 Answers

43,810

If it's just the compressor seized, you can prevent the clutch from engaging the seized compressor by disconnecting the wire that goes into the clutch. (OR pull the fuse for A/C clutch.) The A/C clutch clicks on when you turn on the A/C or the Defrost function. But be sure, it might be the clutch bearing that has seized, and not really the compressor. You can actually reach down and see if the inner hub of the compressor turns by hand. If you can't turn it, then the compressor is locked up. Also replace that smoked belt so you can drive it until repairing the compressor. A common problem on Taurus and Sable.

5 people found this helpful.
43,810

If you want to disable the A/C clutch electrically, go to the under hood fuse block and pull fuse #22 (10 amp) if you have the Duratec double overhead cam engine. If you have the Vulcan engine, pull fuse #18 (10 amp). I think your Sable Premium has the Duratec engine...the fast one. These fuses should not disable anything else.

4 people found this helpful.
30

The clutch is seized the ac compressor seams to spin ok. Any feedback would be helpfull.

3 people found this helpful.
43,810

If that clutch bearing is seized, you won't be able to drive it at all without getting it fixed. Call around and find the easiest fix, like replacing the clutch and bearing and saving the compressor. Have them estimate it both ways considering those compressors don't last long on the Taurus/Sables. I would check with a shop specializing in automotive A/C repairs. Also, if anyone has an A/C compressor cycling on/off a lot, that means low refrigerant charge. That causes premature failures.

20

It you don't want to buy a compressor you could always get yourself an AC compressor bypass pulley. About $50.

2 people found this helpful.

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