First post to the forum, I think...

Have a 2013 SCrew XLT. I turn on my truck after it's been sitting in the 100-degree heat all day, place the AC on max-recirc, the fan on high, and the temperature as cold as it will go. About 10-seconds later I start hearing a really loud, somewhat high pitched noise. The AC will slow down and turn off. Sometimes there is a burning plastic smell in the cab. If I turn the fan speed two clicks lower, the problem goes away. This problem happens only if it's exceedingly hot outside. Does not happen first thing in the morning or late in the evening. It happens with or with out recirc turned on.

Any ideas before I take it to the shop?

FWIW, it's no longer under warranty.

 

The inside fan speed is controlled by a bank of resistors connected to the fan switch so that as you turn the fan down more resistance is added to the circuit. With the fan on high, there is no resistance. So that part of the system is probably not causing your problem.
It sounds like there is something rubbing on the fan slowing it down under the conditions you describe.
From the manual, the blower motor looks to be easily removed. It is behind the glove box.

 

Thanks for the info, but that wasn't it.

This noise happens only for the first minute or two when I start my truck. I can turn down the fan speed by two clicks for about 30 seconds, then turn it back up to max and the noise goes away.

If I do nothing when the noise starts, it starts smelling bad and then the ac completely turns off.

It's not a roaring sound. It's a loud high pitched moaning.

 

So I am guessing that the noise is generated when, at high ambient temperature, the fan is rubbing against something. Once you let the A/C cool things off a little, you can run it on high with no problem.

You could remove it and tie it down then run it up and listen for the squeak.

I'll bet you find rub marks somewhere on the housing.

 

How the hell do you get the blower out of there?

I can get it loose and unscrewed, but I can't get it out.

 

Never done it. The video says he pulled back the carpet (and pad?) to get enough room to lower it.

 

Any tips on how to remove the carpet and pad?

 

In the video he lifts them from the front. They are just layed in I think. Watch the video again. I'm sure he demonstrates it.

 

The video somewhat demonstrates it; it's a good overview.

That being said, got the old blower removed and there was nothing lodged inside it. The fan was noticeably loose - you could rattle it back and forth.

I installed an aftermarket replacement bought on Amazon in about 15-minutes. Problem is fixed. I would note that the AM part is a little bit louder than the stock part, but it is also half the price.

Thanks for your help, Feathermerchant.