ok guys....i think my ac compressor clutch went out this morning....i heard a loud noise and it started smoking from the ac compressor....now i can turn the center of the comp. and it is not locked up so i am assuming it is the clutch....now how easy is this to replace and how much would the parts be and do you guys think it is just the clutch???? any opinions guys? by the way it is on my 99 stratus but i didnt think it would make a difference where i posted this one because i have it posted on the stratus section also to see if i can get all the info on this as i can....thanx guys!!!!!

 

The clutch should only be locked up when the A/C is turned on. The smoke is probably the spertentine belt rubbing on the locked up pulley. The best way to tell would be to get a helper to sit in the car with it running and turn the A/C on and off, if you can here the clutch clicking on and off you know it is still working. If you have to replace the compressor it will not be cheap unless you can find a good used one. When you get a rebuilt Compressor you are required to buy a new drier and orifice tube also. It won't take long to get over 800 dollars invested in the air condition. Good Luck.