Front Defogger Won't Work. A/C Compressor sounds like a firework

[Mike-97 GS]

Hi guys I'm new to the forum, I picked up a 97 GS yesterday with only 54k miles on it. The car is great and I love it, but it seems to have this one problem. Whenever I turn on the A/C or the front defogger, my RPM's drop really low, almost as if the engine wants to die, then I hear this screeching that almost sounds like a firework. I just noticed this today as I went to drive somewhere, I pulled out of my driveway, turned on the defogger and heard that screeching sound, then as I proceeded to drive, the sound dragged on and I smelled this awful burning smell which is when I immediately switched off the defogger. I really hope the burning wasn't my clutch or anything drive train related, but I'm no expert in the field of Eclipses. Any and all help is greatly appreciated in helping my diagnose this issue.

 

[Jesse2012]

The screeching sound was more than likely the belt for the ac compressor, and the burning smell could have possibly been the belt too. And the reason your rpm's drop is because its putting load on the engine

 

[Mike-97 GS]

The screeching sound was more than likely the belt for the ac compressor, and the burning smell could have possibly been the belt too. And the reason your rpm's drop is because its putting load on the engine

Yea I know the RPM drop is because of the engine load, but this is far beyond normal drop. If it's the belt, do you think its a possibility that the spray polish they spray in engine bays at dealerships is causing this problem?

Here's a video to better describe what's happening:

1997 Eclipse GT A/C compressor belt problem when Defogger or A/C is used. - YouTube

 

[DSM1G90]

Screeching usually comes from a worn out compressor clutch and not so much a belt, but get the belt tightened first and see what is the results.

Also, if the RPM's are dragging down that bad, it could be signs of a compressor getting ready to implode and seize..which could be putting the drag on the compressor clutch which the results is the screeching sound.

Best get ready for a new compressor if the retightening of the belt isn't the cure.

-good luck .. DSM