Sounds like a seized compressor. What parts were replaced last
year? was the system flushed? proper type and amount of oil added?
You probably need a new compressor, drier, restrictor tube, oil and
Freon.

Courtney Thomas <ccthomas@joimail.com> wrote in message
news:3F41AB46.CF767E4F@joimail.com...
> Just had a new air conditioner put in last year and all seemed
fine
> until last week when I turned the air conditioner on as usual, not
only
> did the belt squeal loudly and start smoking but then killed the
> engine.
>
> What disaster has befallen me and how should I proceed. A neighbor
has
> guages and a dryer that I could use, but what I'm requesting is
not only
> a troubleshooting step-by-step but also; once I've gotten to the
root
> cause, how should I then repair it ?
>
> Your time is most
> Appreciated,
>
> Courtney