My 3100 northman snowplow worked when I first installed it , however it makes a clicking noise now , and the air compressor does not pump. Is it supposed to have its own battery. I have the hot wire to my s-10 battery hot side , and the ground wire is attached to the s-10 alternator attachment frame.

That car has an air compressor which pumps up the air shocks. the shocks may be shot. The hoses to the shocks may have a leak or the compressor its self may be the problem. My car all three were bad so I had air shocks installed that you pump up manually with a compressor or you can use an air pump at a gas station. Just a little thing below the license plate to put in the air. Only half the price and I pump them up every three months.

that sounds like an air leak at the rear airbags or a faulty valve on the lines from compressor to rear suspension compressor is working to hard thats why its noisy

you can buy the repair manual of your car from the reliable-store Best Manuals they have the best repair manuals

Please realize I'm not a professional compressor repairman.

Your description "comes on for a few second, makes a slight humming sound, then goes silent" leaves me guessing. When you say "comes on" does that mean it "makes the pumping sound of a compressor" or it "Clicks"? Allow my musings.

On a plugged in and turned on compressor the compressor's pressure switch turns on the pump motor when the pressure falls below it's set low pressure threshold (usually ~ 90 psi). The pumps pushes air into the pressure tank until the pressure reaches its high pressure threshold (usually ~ 120 psi). If the compressor is not plugged in or turned on you can hear a click when the pressure switch turns on.

Aside: Leaks, of any sort, make the pumping more frequent or longer. Bad leaks can make it pump continuous because the high pressure threshold is never reached. The leaks can be in the switch, at line connections or in the pump (valves or piston rings) itself.

I once had a low-volume ultra-quiet compressor that made little more noise than a hum when compressing. If yours is not an ultra-quiet (clicks on, hums, and quits) than I'd have to guess that the pump might be binding instead of pumping. If it is binding then the motor would over-heats and shuts off.

Some compressors are oil cooled. If an oil cooled compressor was extremely low on oil would it bind? I suspect so.

If you suspect binding I'd find a parts list for your model to work from and disassemble the pump to investigate. (see link below)

That's my best guess on limited information. Good luck.

Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor Parts

It shouldn't be too loud. You don't explain where the noise is coming from? The air handler/furnace or the outdoor unit.

Did you add the correct amount of oil to the compressor? Is it overcharged? Did you evacuate all the air with a vacuum pump before charging? Was the fixed orifice replaced? If you are sure you did the install right and the oil and charge are correct you have another defective compressor

Could be altenator bearing, water pump, air conditioner compressor or power steering pump. Try to isolate where noise is coming from.

You should only see one belt which powers the alternator, air conditioner compressor, power steering and water pump. Without hearing the sound it is hard to say which component could be the problem. However, If you cannot hear the noise when the air conditioner is off and the noise reappears when it is turned on it could be the A/C compressor. With the engine off you can inspect the belt for damage and make sure the pulley bolts and belt are tight. If a mechanic installed the pump they should take a minute to listen to the noise at no charge to explain the noise.

Wow snow I haven't seen that since 1985 lol, I now live in Sunny West Palm Beach Florida, I would suggest changing out the thermostat, Usually when water pumps are bad you will here an obviouse noise coming from the pump or have signs of leaking. and also make sure you are getting good air flow from your fan that the fan clutch is working ok.

Hope this helps. And enjoy the snow :) Allen

Is the noise clicking consistantly?or just on again off again?Yes there may be a faulty motor.Try removing the wires and tape them up then run the unit if there is still noise need more info .And to let you know yes they can be made into a low quality air compressor:) hope i helped :)