A/C starts off cold then blows warm

[hilldomain]

I tried the bread clip trick. we will see if it is working in the next few days. The gap for the clutch plate on the compressor was about .9mm I inserted the clips and now it is .4 up to Volvo specs. It was so ridiculously easy. I used a screwdriver to relieve the pressure so I could insert the clips, feeler gauge to check the space between the clutch plate and compressor before and after fix. and the bread clips to slip under the grommets (there are 3- you have to cut them slightly, then slip the opening- the one used to hold the bread bag- around the grommet. I found cutting a slight "rounded notch" at the top of the bread clip to make room for the screw on top of the grommet), and pliers to get the plastic shield off from under the front of the car before I started (the big one that protects the radiator)

just take the plastic panel off (2 screws on either side of the car- the rest clips in if it isnt broken already.

then lay down on the ground on passenger side of the car with your head just in front of the tire and look up. There is the compressor. you can rotate the clutch with your hand.

I cannot stress how simple this is.Cost= $0

[A181880]

I bought a used 2003 s40. The air is hot the compressor spins freely when motor running.
I went to charge the unit and when i set the refriderant up to the low pressure line and opened it up...then turned the ac on....the clutch would not engage. Could this be a blown fuse for the ac?? Or is is the clutch itself? Any suggestions on how to engage this. Need A/C.

[kdaide]

I was able to confirm that my issue was the magnetic cluth on the compressor by giving the fly-wheel a top with a crow bar while the engine was running - careful though because there are lots of spinning belts. This would cause the clutch to engage and then the A/C started producing cold air - at least until the clutch disengaged. I tried the shim method and it didnt work for m so I ended up ordering a new compressor online (~$400) and had my mechanic install it. No problems since.

[volvman992]

So I know this is a really old post- however, this even works with my 2009 volvo v70... no $ at all and about 30mins of my time -- the compressor is on the bottom of the car to the passenger side. Lay down and using needle nose pliers pry the rings up a little so you can slip a bread twist in there- do this on all 3 rings. Make sure they are fastened. Then your good to go. You can measure it and everything but chances are if its volvo, and ur over 100k miles, its the compressor clutch switch. GL to all volvo owners!