Just today, I turned on the AC for the first time this summer.
(I usually drive with the rear window down and the front windows opened.)
When I turned on the AC on Low, the 4Runner was making some funny noise. The noise sounded like there were a bunch of cans under the car being dragged.

QUESTION:
Is the compressor dead? or do I just need to recharge it?

No leaks can be seen, in terms of oil.
I don't know if the AC has been recharged before I bought the 4Runner used in May 2007.
The AC used to work before, but I haven't used the AC for almost 3 months since the last time.

Thanks for your time!

 

hmmm... definitely should use it at least once a month, may be bad. check your belt tension?

 

Mine makes squeeling noises when i don't use it for a while, it sounds like a stuck pig

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I will use it at least once a month from the moment I fix it. And I have checked the belts, so it does sound like a stuck pig, thanks!

 

doesn't yours come on when you use the defrost setting? clearing up the windshield?

 

Yes the AC is triggered in the last 2 of the manual switch defrost settings-but in mine it does not trigger the A/C indicator light.

I have been using those settings for "budget Air Conditioning" and it will keep me cool enough to make about a 10 minute trip.

 

Double checking the belts again today after work, I found out that the belt which drives the AC Compressor is LOOSE! wth? HOW DID IT GET LOOSE? Dont know, but I'm going to my mechanic tomorrow after work. It's got about a 1 inch loose travel up and 1 inch down. Pretty dang loose!
Would you guys think it's the Compressor or just the belt this time?
Fingers crossed that it's just the belt...