Sepentine broke (cut), now air conditioner compressor doesn't start anymore, could it be related ? Solution: change it only ?

[benzw205]

Sepentine broke (cut), now air conditioner compressor doesn't start anymore, could it be related ? Solution: change it only ?

hello, thank you if someone can tell me if my only solution is to change the air condition compressor or if I should investigate more ?

I was driving, then got a battery alarm on the dashboard, I stopped and the serpentine was broken.
After replacing it, car is fine, but air conditioner compressor does not start anymore.

As I have to pay it upfront without being sure that my compressor is dead, I am wondering if I should test something first, and have a confirmation that the compressor must be changed ? Any way to know that the compressor is faulty before buying the new one ?

Thank you if you have any idea, I checked shops around and I was only told that I must replace it.

 

[benzw205]

I have read somewhere:
The air conditioning compressor is capable of breaking the serpentine belt a couple of ways. If the AC compressors seizes while operating, the shock load can snap the serpentine belt. If the AC clutch bearing seizes while the AC compressor is not operating, the belt can snap then as well.

 

[m80]

My compressor seized, after a regas.
Belt shredded, some smelly rubber.
I replaced the compressor and belt, all good, after a regas.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Apply 12V on to the compressor clutch to engage it and see if you can spin the compressor by hand without any problems/binding/noises.