1998 V70 AC Evaporator and other stuff

[ashfielder]

Bought my 98 V70 basic model used with 63k on it off lease. Now have 85,000 (in 12 months). Most comfortable all around road car/ride confidence I have ever had. Even though I had to have the driver door welded at 70,000 - with absolutely no interest from Volvo USA in fixing this problem that should have been a recall by now. My dealer referred me to a local body shop that has done "30+ of these"!

Alas also - the apparently all too common problem of the leaking AC evaporator has happened (tested with dye at the dealer). Already replaced the $300 climate control sensor unit. Know Volvo USA won't stand behind this one either, though the car is less than 5 years old. Dealer wants about $1200 to do this job, since apparently the whole dash must come out. And in my climate, the AC is as important to keep the windows clear of fog in winter as to cool the car in summer. I have two questions.

First, I have heard that even the OEM replacement evaporators fail fairly soon (I want to keep this car to 175k). So I am thinking about getting a non-volvo part that has a somewhat different design but is guaranteed to fit. (It is also $158 instead of $232.00). Anybody had experience with this "operation" to know if there are good alternatives?

Second, with the dash already out, what else would you replace that might go soon? (I have heard suggested to replace many bulbs). I am surely going to have the "service" light disconnected! Anything else?

Any thoughts appreciated before I spend the big bucks...love the car or I wouldn't do this - but the Volvo guys sure suck up the dinero.

Would I buy this car again - I think so because it is wonderful to drive and cart gear - but the company is really pretty poor when they won't accomodate the apparently many owners who have problems with basic, common build defects like door frames and AC evaporators. Makes you wonder a bit about the "brick" reputation...

[matthew1]

I have to agree with you about Volvo Cars North America -- but from a distance. I've never had to deal with them, just read over and over about AC evaps, door hinges, ABS controllers, etc. in 850/70s.

I put the US govt. website link up (search this forum) to complain to... I've read that's the best way to have the govt. compel car manufacturers to do recalls.

Question: how often does your AC need a recharge? $1200 will buy a recharge every six months for quite some time, especially if you do it yourself.

[matthew1]

Here's that link, I'll save you the time

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

Let us know what you decide to do and how it goes.