Defroster causing loud engine noises

[scbabe]

After starting up my 92 explorer and turning on the defrost, instantly very loud noises started. The car along with the multiple different noises also seemed as if it was just going to shut down. When I went to try and drive just a couple of ft. it barely would go at all. When I checked under the hood it appeared that whatever the belt spins around was intermittent. After I made the decision to see if it would make it make into town, I waited for friends to arrive to follow just in case... They noticed that right after starting and getting onto the Hwy they could hear all the noises and then all of a sudden they saw what they described to look like 20 cigaret butts fly back at them and a really horrible smell. After that they couldn't hear or see anything else. I also heard the noises for only about the first two minutes along with the smells but nothing else shortly after... Now the only time I notice the weird, but much more quite noise, is when I turn the defroster on. Please help, very car illiterate lady in major need of some advice!

 

[gmanpaint]

The defroster works hand in hand with your Air conditioner compressor under the hood. The smell was most likely from the serpentine belt burning up and chunks of it flying out. That might have been what was seen by your friends.

Since you say the part you looked at was intermittent, that was most likely your A/C compressor working. If any pulley has froze/locked up this is what happens when belt breaks. Bad odor, parts flying, are the prime examples of a busted belt.

Replacing the belt is not the complete fix. Finding out why it broke is. You need to find out if it was indeed an old worn out belt past its prime, or if something caused it. The belt tension-er are a common culprit to go bad, and create havoc. You really need to find someone you trust with the knowledge to take a look at the front of your engine for a proper diagnosis.

 

[scbabe]

That could be?

So if all that is true, then how might I explain the fact that the belt still is there and working fine? Something just isn't adding up... Now I notice that the battery meter on the dash is bouncing back and forth quickly. Typically when I try to roll down my drivers window or when the car is in Drive at a stop sign?

 

[gmanpaint]

If the belt is still on and in good shape, I have no idea what your friends had seen flying out from under your vehicle. If you alternator is going bad and the pulley bearings are going out, that would burn the belt causing a nasty odor. There is a screeching noise that goes along with bad pulleys and burning belts though. So, I am at a loss to help you any farther. Keep bumping this thread, someone might have a better idea as to what is going on, sorry.

Good luck!