If your car has a Serpentine belt that's one piece and made specifically for that engine, chances are you may have to repair the AC unit. From the description "snapping belts" one would assume that the AC Compressor is siezed, where the pulley doesn't even turn freely.
yes
Problem with your alternator, possibly the diode pack or brushes. Remove them, (Can be done without removing the alternator) New unit for this is about $30 .
Questions that relate to removing thedashboard of a Taurus / Sable are typically in order to:* Get at the heater core * Remove the radio The "Related Questions" below point to those more specific types of questions / information. The best thing is to leave it to a professional. Go to an auto parts store and purchase a Haynes manual that is specific to your car. The radio can be removed without removing the dash. The evaporator core can not be accessed without removing it.
How yo take a heater core out of 2002 lincoln navigator with 5.8 engine and can you do it without removing inside dashboard?
Without knowing which pump the original question was about, see "Related Questions" below for more about:Fuel pumpWater pump
Try Autozone.com - they have a comprehensive on-line repair guide for the 1996-1999 Taurus/Sable.
Yes, a mechanic has developed a procedure that avoids having to remove the dash.See "Related Questions" below for more
how to take off a air conditioning unit on 96 ford taurus
It does not have an Air Compressor. If you are talking about the A/C Compressor, then just look at the drive belts. One of these belts is driving the compressor. If it has one serpentine belt, it is driving the A/C compressor, PS pump, Alternator, & Water Pump. Just follow the belt to find it.
You should have the system checked for the proper amount of freeon. The compressor will not properly engage if the system is low. Hope this helps.
Yoy need to remove the whole front end including radiator
I am unsure what you mean by bypass. The Air Conditioning system will not work with out the compressor. The compressor can be disabled by unplugging the electric clutch. Most of these little Fords could have a different length belt fitted so the compressor pulley didn't turn at all.