Flickering lights and no AC

[Tonyd76]

My truck is a 2009 5.7 with 220k. I knew my alternator was on the way out, so I replaced it- before I did, the lights did not flicker and AC worked - but i did smell something electrical, and i thought it was the alternator. I would have a squeaky pully once in a while. So I got a rebuilt alternator, and new belt, put them in, and the belt squeaked. I didn't worry too much until i realized my AC wasn't blowing cold. Then the other night, the first time i drove in dark, the lights were flickering. I took off the new belt and compared it to the old- the new one is actually slightly longer! put the old belt on, no more squeaking. but no AC, and lights still flicker. About to put the old alternator back on, but i have a feeling it won't help the AC. could the smell be something from the blower motor or ac? i'm about to push this thing off a cliff-

 

[Loudram]

Your AC unit could be toast but as far as the lights go, double check all your connections especially your grounds.

 

[Tonyd76]

put the old alternator and belt back on, no more flickering- so maybe i did not have the new alternator's cable connected tight enough. replaced the blower fan resistor which was rusted and beat up, but the air conditioning did not improve until i refilled it with freon. hopefully it will hold and there is no leak, it's the first time i added refrigerant in 190k miles- lol