ACC Wheel not moving on drive belt

[mbmech157]

I have a 2000 xlt sohc and
I just noticed that most of the times the ACC wheel (the one furthest to the right if your facing the engine from the front of the car) isnt moving all the time. It seems that most of the time it is still and then Ill here a periodic "click" and it will go on for a while and then stop again. The belt continues to go around it but its not moving. Is this normal!!! If it's not that what is causing it and how do i fix it? Thanks...Mike

 

[Maniak]

I'm assuming you talking about the air conditioner pulley.


The pulley itself always moves.. but the center part (call it the hub) doesn't move unless it is energized.. It is energized when the a/c is on and if I remember correctly, periodically when you have the controls set to defrost.

If the pulley itself was frozen it would make one heck of a racket along with smoke.. you would know it was frozen...

If you take off the belt.. you will see that the outer part will spin without the center..

~Mark

 

[YBNormL]

Not to worry. There is a clutch in the pulley that allows the Air Conditioner to disengage from the engine when not needed. This saves the air conditioner pump when it is not needed, and saves mileage (Bonus!!!)

The click is the solenoid engaging the clutch and therefore engaging the Air Conditioner Pump. This is normal. Some newer cars use the Air Conditioner in colder temperatures as the Air Conditioner tends to dry out the air. This lessens the fogging of the winsheild.

 

[mbmech157]

Thanks guys...Was a bit worried there. Another question. I have a rattling niose that comes and goes when the engine is both cold or warm. I brought it to the dealer (bought it used) and they said the 00m12 was done already. Is the 01m01 different and still covered. Does this sound like the problem, the timing chain itself?