I have a 2002 3.8L v6 mustang, automatic transmission. The other day I left the a/c run with the car at idle for about ten minutes before it started blowing hot air and idled really low. I immediately turned off the car and the compressor was smoking. I let the car sit for about an hour and the a/c started workin again. Now every time I start the car there's a clicking noise coming from under the hood in that area. I'm pretty sure something in the compressor blew. But I'm not sure what I'm looking for or even if this is something I can fix at home. I changed the belt to make sure it wasn't melted from the heat or anything, but the noise is still there. Also, it seems to turn harder than the other pulleys when the belt is off. Any suggestions would be welcome as I'd rather not take it to a shop if I can reasonably do it myself.

 

time for a new compressor. the bearing is seizing up. when that does happen the belt will break.