weirdest AC problem

JAZ · Post by **JAZ** » 02 Jun 2005, 06:26

When i start the car and take off, the AC works great and cold as ice but if i stop the car and restart it, or even just come to a stop, the temp becomes warm lie the oustide temp. Could this be a faulty compressor?. i just did a recharge of the system because the air was constantly warm. That fixed the temp but it only comes out cold for a while now

Any help would be greatly appreciated as the summer is starting to get in place here..

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 02 Jun 2005, 07:58

It is probably the cut out switch that if you short out the system will run OK but best to replace.

JAZ · Post by **JAZ** » 02 Jun 2005, 08:39

You know where that is located or what it looks like and do you know the approx. price of that part.

thnx

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 02 Jun 2005, 13:53

It is lacated on the passenger side of the engine compartment near the radiator . The solid steel line goes to the receiver/dryer (round canister)

JAZ · Post by **JAZ** » 03 Jun 2005, 07:52

Well you wouldn't believe this. Took the car from work and the AC was working fine and cold. Drove 10min and stopped the car. Started it after 2 min and the AC was totally hot so i decided to shutoff the AC with the switch and you know how sometimes you shut off the AC and cold air still comes out from the vents.
Well after 5 min the air became cold and i restarted the AC and all was fine.
Man this is a weird problem. Probably is the switch.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 03 Jun 2005, 18:57

JAZ · Post by **JAZ** » 13 Jun 2005, 09:20

TO JO.

I just called for the switch in a Volvo use parts lot and the mechanic says that it's probably the compressor that isn't being fed enough voltage so it stops after a while before restarting 15minutes later. He says that means a faulty compressor. What d'ya think.

JAZ · Post by **JAZ** » 13 Jun 2005, 10:13

by the way, i DO hear the compressor cycling on and off from the right dash ...i hear some type of cycling clicking sound. It cycles like 3very 3 to 5 seconds. I did charge it with duracool but maybe i didn't put enough too...???

JAZ · Post by **JAZ** » 13 Jun 2005, 11:03

Well this car is driving me nuts now. I decided to go check if both lines were cold so i sat in the car for 10 minutes...nothing. then i went a for a 15 min drive and no ticking sound and the AC stayed cold. I don't know what to do anymore.
I think i'll get a pressure gauge and check out the pressure. How much should it be on the low pressure valve when the AC is on.

budwom · Post by **budwom** » 13 Jun 2005, 11:30

I am currently experiencing the same (or very similar) problem.

My A/C works great sometimes, but sometimes the cooling cuts out after 20 minutes or so.

Took it in to aVolvo specialist I trust (not dealer) who said it's the compressor clutch, and i suspect he's right, as he re-engaged the clutch using a pry bar, and the a/c became cold again.

But he recommends replacing the clutch AND compressor, which will cost ~$700....have called the dealer to get his opinion....preliminarily, the dealer thinks maybe i can replace just the compressor clutch, and not the whole works...

I'd prefer to think it's a switch, but i suspect it's the compressor clutch...

Any ideas?