Assuming the 96 Continental no longer comes stock with a squeaky hamster wheel (and a 10 year old hamster), I was wondering if someone could please help verify my diagnosis (or correct it).

My car started squeaking under the hood about a week ago. I thought it was a belt of some sort at first, however I noticed it would stop if I turned the AC off (the noise takes a minute or so to stop similar to a grinding wheel or something like that). The AC still works, but the squeak is a bit embarrassing, so I would like to get it fixed. My guess is that it's the compressor/clutch assembly. Would the experts out there concur? Thank you in advance for your help.

P.S. After re-reading my post I just realized I like parentheses (a lot). :D

it may just be the added load of the Ac making the belt slip-try adj or use some belt dressing-if not remove the belt and check the bearings

ok, when you turn the AC off the compressor will immediatly stop running, it dont spin down like a grinding wheel, so I doubt thats the problem, and the bearings in the clutch assy would probably make noise regardless of engaged or not.

Like previously stated, it could be a squeeaky belt, or bearing on one of the idler or tensioner pulleys.

Now, here is another possibility, and more closely fits your description... If there is a 2nd radiator fan (not sure on your year conti), it could be the problem, and would 'freewheel' a little bit when the AC it turned off. Again, I am not sure on your car, but I have heard of some lincolns having hydraulically driven radiator fans, this makes it a bit more complicated, but still could be a fan problem.

Thanks for the feedback.

You are right MichiganTeddyBear. I have 2 radiator fans. While facing the car, it is the one on the right that's squeaking. I was able to turn it manually while all systems were off, and it made the infamous squeak.

Now my question is what should I do to fix it? :confused:

probably bad motor, will need replacement to stop the squeak. dont know how hard it will be, as again I am not familiar with the 95-up contis... you might be able to get some oil on the shaft, it might help, but in the end, it will need to be replaced.

I ahve the same problem, changed out the idler, tentioner, alternator, turns out it is the belt. I drenched it with everything in the gargage, the squeek will go away, then by the time I get to my first stop the squeek is back. I tryed a new belt, squeek came back. When it warms up some, I'm going to clean off the pullys then another new belt. I hope that works!