2006 Ford Freestyle ac burnt smell and smoke

2006 FORD FREESTYLE
81,000 MILES
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MICHELLEROX
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When I turn my ac on I hear a whining noise. I then see smoke pour out from under the hood and smell a burnt plastic like odor. I can't afford to put it in the shop at that moment but I'm trying to get an idea of what I'm facing as far as what's going to need to be replaced.

It was suggested my compressor went out but everything I've read only says it'll stop blowing cold when the compressor goes out. Is it my ac clutch, or is that part of my compressor?
Aug 14, 2013 at 3:36 PM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Hello,

Ok, since it only does it when you engage your A/C most likely the A/C Compressor is Locked up... It is not the A/C Clutch(which is on the front of your A/C Compressor) if it was you the noise and see and smell the smoke once you started it... and the smoke and smell is the belt dragging across the pulley because the compressor is locked up...
Aug 14, 2013 at 3:48 PM
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MICHELLEROX
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Thank you for your quick response! No chance of "unlocking" the compressor huh? Just kidding.

So good chance the compressor will be the only thing needing replacement?
Aug 14, 2013 at 4:00 PM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Well, I would recommend replacing the Belt also... since it was drug across the pulley causing squeal and smoke, it has weakened the cords and the rubber which could at some point more sooner than later stranded because it has broken...
Aug 14, 2013 at 4:48 PM
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MICHELLEROX
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Ok Thank you very much for explaining it all to me, I greatly appreciate it! Although, I was hoping to hear it was a $10 doohicky that was the culprit. One can dream! Thanks again!
Aug 14, 2013 at 5:01 PM
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Well, on these newer vehicles I haven't seen any of those $10 doohickies... They seem to now be $100 or more doohickies...lol

And your most likely looking at a $800 or more, hopefully less, for the repair.
Aug 14, 2013 at 5:11 PM