I have been told by an auto repair technician that my air conditioner compressor is failing. There is a smell of burning rubber outside the car. Is the belt that drives the air conditioning compressor and the alternator slipping, or could the smell come from the clutch that engages the compressor? Is the clutch "slippable" or is it either positively engaged or disengaged? If I keep using the air conditioning, will it eventually cause belt failure, or is there a protection mechanism that will disengage the clutch before that happens?

 

The A/C clutch is less slippable than the drive belt. The rubber smell is likely the A/C compressor seizing and the belt slipping on the pully. If you turn off A/C all should be fine, no smell. When the A/C compressor seizes completely this will be the only way to drive it.

How many miles, and has the A/C charge ever been serviced?

Every 8-10 years they need to be recharged, since some seepage is always present (about 1 oz per year), and if low refridgerant, the compressor won't get enough oil, and it will eventually seize.

 

Has the belt tension been checked and snugged up a little?

If the compressor seizes you will have no alternator either, aka you're not gonna get very far. lol
Pretty sure AC compressor shares the same belt as the alternator, dang it now I have to go outside and look cuz I like to be sure. lol

My car is the RX330.