When AC goes out...

KYBlueV70 · Post by **KYBlueV70** » 28 May 2006, 08:59

I'm another unfortunate Volvo owner whose AC is dying as Summer approaches. In my case, it's just not cold enough during a hot 85-90F day. Would a good first step be to recharge the AC? I'd hate to do it and then find out that it's a bad compressor, etc. There's a loud clicking noise when the AC is running. However, I've been told in the Forum that the clicking is a normal "relay" noise.

I appreciate any tips or recommendations. Thanks!

Post by **pfeener** » 28 May 2006, 09:20

You can fix this easily and cheaply. Your car takes R134a refrigerant which is easily purchased from any auto parts store. The clicking you hear is the AC compressor clutch engaging and disengaging which is normal, but I'll bet yours is click on and off every 5-10 seconds which is an indication of the refrigerant being too low. This is a fairly normal occurance, since most system will leak a small amount of refrigerant over a number of years. If your system is still cooling a little and the compressor is clicking on and off it indicates that the system is working OK but needs a little R134a added to it.

Go to the auto parts store and for around $30 you can get a can of R134 and a hose and guage setup. Read through the posts on this forum and volvospeed.com and there's plenty of info on adding the R134. Basiclly all you do is snap on the guage to your low port (small port located just behind the RH headlight) and measure the pressure (it should be about 35 - 40 lbs; I'll bet yours is around 20) Screw the can of R134 on to the hose and let some in. You'll notice that as you let some in and close off the valve to read the guage the compressor will take longer to cycle. You'll need to stick the can in some hot tap water about half way through to heat it up a little so you can get more vapor out of the can. Make sure the can is upright when you do this procedure. One can should be enough to do it.

KYBlueV70 · Post by **KYBlueV70** » 28 May 2006, 20:58

Thanks pfeener...I'll give it a try with the R134 refrigerant!

Post by **pfeener** » 29 May 2006, 06:05

You'll be amazed how easy it is to just top it up and how much better your AC unit will run.

jabber · Post by **jabber** » 29 May 2006, 09:40

OK. So I know this procedure is relatively easy and I unfortunatel need to go through the process with my 1999 S70. But my question is where can I get R134a in Canada? I have never seen it for sale at Canadian Tire and I doubt I could order from the US and have it shipped. Any input would be appreciated!

Jordan.

Post by **mom** » 29 May 2006, 11:37

You can't get R134 in Canada, you have to visit your mechanic or make a trip in the US.

l33tDad · Post by **l33tDad** » 06 Aug 2006, 21:42

pfeener wrote:it should be about 35 - 40 lbs

Just had my compressor and accum/drier replaced last Friday and my mechanic told me that it shouldn't be higher than 32lbs. Should I bring it back and have him top it off to 40?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Aug 2006, 22:11

If it's blowing cold and you don't hear your compressor clicking off and on frequently, you should be fine. I also shoot for 35, but 40 is probably a bit too high.

l33tDad · Post by **l33tDad** » 06 Aug 2006, 22:23

Yea, it blows cold and the comp doesn't cycle often, but it doesn't seem to be very cold to me. To keep the car cool on an 85

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Aug 2006, 08:51

Should be blowing nice and cold. Have your mechanic check the pressure again if you're concerned.