Air Condition and Recirc Switch Lights

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 03 Nov 2009, 11:30

This morning when I started the car, both the Air Conditioning and Rec switch lights both started flashing. They did this for about 10 seconds.
I've not noticed this before. Are they telling me something?

The outside temp was about 34 degrees.

-os

Post by **jblackburn** » 03 Nov 2009, 11:44

It's angry about something. Who knows. They store codes for what's wrong with it, but the only way to get the codes read is at a Volvo dealer; a generic reader will not talk to the ECC. Most likely it's for something like the blower drawing too much current or something; at least that's the most common one - mine gets grumpy in the mornings and dims the headlights a lot when the fan starts up and then flashes the A/C and recirc lights angrily.

As long as it's still blowing air out of the right vents though, I wouldn't worry about it.

Rich · Post by **Rich** » 03 Nov 2009, 11:47

I was told by a dealer if those lights flash your ECC (Electronic Climate Control) module is failing. A used one in Canada is about $200.00.
You should be able to get a code as well.......so I'm told.
Hope this helps.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 03 Nov 2009, 11:51

Mine did this right before my blower went out, 20 bucks at a yard and 30 mins later it was all good. they are starting to do it again. so im guessing im going to actually read the codes. you should be able to read them yourself from the back of the ac unit.

As lee once said to me...

Ozark Lee wrote:You can test the blower motor itself by simply grounding the blue wire that goes to the blower motor. The key doesn't even need to be on. It should come on full speed.

The flashing LEDs on the ECC just means that it is mad about something. You have to have the codes pulled from someone with a Volvo scan tool or its equivalent to read the codes. I'm going to guess that your ECC controller is just fine but if you plan on replacing it it is very easy. Remove the radio by depressing the rectangular slots next to the Bass control and preset button number 5. Handles will pop out and the radio just slides out. You don't need to disconnect the wiring to the radio but if you do make sure you have the radio code.

Once the radio is removed from its slot just reach up behind the ECC and push it out. It will start with some resistance but once the spring clips are compressed it just slides out. There is plenty of wire on the harnesses so the unit can be unplugged after it is removed from the dash.

...Lee

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 03 Nov 2009, 13:56

The usual cause of this is the cabin temp sensors within the plastic fitting behind the front grab bar handles above the front doors are full of dirt. Blowing compressed air thru the opening often turns the lights out.

Post by **misha** » 03 Nov 2009, 16:28

Rich wrote:I was told by a dealer if those lights flash your ECC (Electronic Climate Control) module is failing. A used one in Canada is about $200.00.
You should be able to get a code as well.......so I'm told.
Hope this helps.

You were wrongly informed by your "stealer"(dealer).

Those lights are flashing if something is wrong with ac,and if there are some codes stored.

So...read the codes,repair the fault and no more flashing ac/rec lights.

Rich · Post by **Rich** » 03 Nov 2009, 16:56

Good to know, like I said they had a used one they wanted to sell me for $200.00.
Thanks
This is a great site

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 03 Nov 2009, 19:58

Thanks for all the suggestions.

What would be a reasonably priced tool to read the codes with? Seems like you need one!

-os

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 03 Nov 2009, 20:04

As I understand it the reader has to be a Volvo scan tool which is quite expensive if you can even find one. I'm willing to bet that it is cheaper to have Volvo read it for you. In fact sometimes they for free...or at least they did for me. lol

osmium · Post by **osmium** » 03 Nov 2009, 20:33

polskamafia mjl wrote:As I understand it the reader has to be a Volvo scan tool which is quite expensive if you can even find one. I'm willing to bet that it is cheaper to have Volvo read it for you. In fact sometimes they for free...or at least they did for me. lol

You can't use a generic OBD-II reader to pull the codes?

-os