Not an expert, but "Mike" says it's a short in the system. He popped in a new fuse and it blew. Presumably (and I'm NOT a mechanic) if the compressor had seized, the fuse wouldn't blow, but rather the compressor would have just sat there...right? (or am I not understanding the engineering stuff)

 

...the short is in the compressor.

 

Went up and re-read the post....duh...this is your Avalon.

More than likely the compressor clutch failed. The compressor could be siezed like Willard noted but most often, the AC clutch relay or the compressor clutch will be bad.

 

Short meaning unintended grounding of a electric wire and blowing the fuse.

The only electrical parts in a '96 compressor would be the clutch itself. Any wire from the compressor itself could be from a low freon sensor.

Just a possibility to contact a large salvage yard. They have books that cross reference parts. You might find a compressor that will fit you car from a newer model wrecked Toyota.

 

Yes that changes the situation, cheap compressors, lots in the local boneyards cheap.

 

Yup...looks like we're going to hit 200,000

 

Some compressors had a separate clutch, that could be purchased deparately and bought cheap and replaced with comparatively little labor cost (since the refrigeration system did not need to be opened up),

 

While I hope it's something inexpensive, 200Kmiles is a good run for an A/C compressor clutch. It's spinning all the time the engine is running, it just adds the compressor in if you switch the A/C on, but it's still spinning. Bearings do wear out.

Here's to it being a inexpensive, easy fix, but be prepared for the worst. If it doesn't happen you are releived, if it does, you're prepared.

C'est la vie, c'est l'amour, c'est la guerre

 

The cost is tough nut to swallow, but I'm not in a position to buy her a new or used car, so the cost to repair (<$1000) is less then the cost of a three year old Corolla, ~$9,000-11,000.

 

Good going team!
The clutch? was worn out as were the bearings?
Plus the original belt needed replacing.