Expert: keith - 7/19/2005

Question
my ac compressor or clutch started smoking but didnt lock up(pulley),i put a new belt because the old one melted from the heat when i stopped the engine. i was driving the car home and the gauges stopped working, speedo, fuel etc. i checked all fuses only the a-c was burned out, i had ac off and replaced fuse and it popped again when i turned the car on. any suggestions for my gauges and panel lights?  i need to replace ac clutch or compressor i figure on that problem. thanks

Answer
Hi David, first of all you have to fix the a\c (maybe unplugging it will work) to get it to stop blowing fuses. There may be some wires melted together because of the short in the a\c clutch. You need a service manuel to get the wiring diagrams so you can see what wire powers the panel lights, then you will know where to look for the problem. I hope this helps you, if you need more info just let me know. Regards, Keith.