Can you bypass an AC compressor?

Question

Can you bypass an ac compressor in a 98 dodge ram 1500? It froze up and now the pully wont turn and the truck wont run right.. any ideas?

Answer 1

You can but it's really tough on finding a shorter belt on your own. The only way is to call an auto part store and see if you can get a belt for the same year and model truck that was built without a/c and then your husband has to try to figure out how to put the belt on. If he is currently stuck at the moment, like I said he has to somehow get a smaller belt. Other than that it's time to call the tow truck. Best of luck!

Answer 2

The good news is you probably can. However, you can not directly bypass it. You will have to get an A/C bypass kit, if one is available for the vehicle. This will replace the A/C compressor with and idler pulley that has no purpose but to complete the route of the belt. If a bypass kit is not available, you will have to get a compressor. The best thing to do is talk to a local garage or shop for the kit, or look one up online.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear it. I actually had mine blow up on me today.

I'm not sure on your particular vehicle, but on my Honda I was able to just cut the belt off. Have him check for other belts.  Some cars have dedicated belts for the compressor while others may use a belt that also controls the power steering or the alternator. If all the belt is connected to is the compressor and possibly an idler to maintain tension then he should be ok just removing the belt. If it also runs to the alternator then he might as well go ahead and call a tow truck. Good luck!

Answer 4

Remove the belt. There is no way to bypass it.

Answer 5

if you bypass it nothing else will work right either. the belt comes off, and the rest will not have power to them like the power steering and the water pump. i would get a tow to a repair facility and get the replacement done.

Answer 6

You can try to find belt that doesn't go around the AC at your auto part store.

Answer 7

  Sorry that year Dodge didn't come without air. Consequently there isn't any to get around the serpentine belt problem. And finding a good used one at a salvage yard is not easy ether. I'm afraid you will have to bite the bullet and get a re man compressor.Good luck