I've got an automatic transmission 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. I recently began to hear a rattle during the engaging/disengaging of the air conditioning unit. I took it in, and had it diagnosed as a clutch problem that wasn't overly serious, so I could bring it in next week. Driving it tonight, the rattle became more consistent, and as I pulled into my driveway, the car shutdown, not to be restarted. This was also accompanied by quite the pungent puff of smoke.

Is this still consistent with the burning out of an AC clutch? Or have I just stepped onto a mine with my engine/transmission?

Bob

I've got an automatic transmission 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. I recently began to hear a rattle during the engaging/disengaging of the air conditioning unit. I took it in, and had it diagnosed as a clutch problem that wasn't overly serious, so I could bring it in next week. Driving it tonight, the rattle became more consistent, and as I pulled into my driveway, the car shutdown, not to be restarted. This was also accompanied by quite the pungent puff of smoke.

Is this still consistent with the burning out of an AC clutch? Or have I just stepped onto a mine with my engine/transmission?

Bob
If the bearing on the A/C clutch has failed and seized, it could have locked the accessory drive belt. Remove the drive belt and check if the engine restarts.
I hope this helped.

It does sound worse than an AC clutch, the starter should overpower the accessory belt but it may keep the engine from starting?? Does the starter at least crank the engine?