I have a 2000 Cherokee Sport 4x4 4.0 liter with about 200K miles. Everything runs great. However, last year when I turned the AC on, it was blowing chilled air just fine but after a while there was a distinct burning smell from the engine bay. My friend said the AC belt is probably loose or needs to be lubricated or replaced. This happened on the highway at about 70mph.

Since then I just never turned the AC on (a bit scared something will happen and well it gives slightly better mileage and there's no stress on the engine either). But with these high temperatures, I really should get it fixed. I had replaced the serpentine belt about 2 years back. Is there a separate belt for the AC? Could this be caused by what my friend said?

The only other issues I have are the engine leaks a bit of oil but it has been doing that for over 4 years and the headliner is coming down. What's an old Jeep without a leaking engine anyways?

Thanks for any input you may have.

 

There is no separate belt for the AC. There is just one belt.

 

If the smell only happens when the AC is on it could be your compressor is shot and causing it to put stress and friction onto your serpentine belt. Does it make a bad noise when it's on? You may need a new compressor.

 

Thanks a lot for the insight. I do not remember if it makes a bad noise. The only time I really could smell the burning was when I had the AC on while driving on the highway and there was all the usual rattling and squeaking and road noise and music and this was over a year ago.

I can say that the AC always worked fine in the sense it would chill the entire cabin effectively and quickly.

I will turn it on today while I am parked and see if it makes a bad noise. I was a bit surprised the belt would go loose or something because it was replaced a year ago when this happened.

 

Check the belt tension with a gauge, it should be around 160 lbs. If a shop installed the belt, they should recheck it free of charge for you.

 

Thank you. Firestone had replaced the belt. I'll go have them check it.

 

any signs of cracks on belt replace it,fix oil leaks they can turn to oil fires and that aint purty.....