2004 V70 Compressor Issue Does bread clip fix work on 04's?

leehigdon · Post by **leehigdon** » 09 May 2013, 14:22

I have a 2004 Volvo v70 with 125000 miles on it. Last summer I noticed when I was idling for more than 5 minutes in hot weather in the summer the air coming out of the air conditioner would turn warm. Once I started moving again and turned off the air and then turned it back on it would be cold again. I did have some freon added. Did not really help the issue but the mechanic said I was low. In the fall and winter I have been freezing with the cold air on and do not notice the air ever turning warm when idling or in stop and go traffic. Now that the weather has turned warm it is once again when idling for over 5 minutes or in stop and go traffic becoming warm. I turn it off for a few minutes and then back on and get cold air. I went to the mechanic today to check the freon and he said it looked good. We decided it was probably the clutch gap issue with the compressor and was quoted $1,200 for the part, labor and tax. Considering I have put over $4000 into this irritating car in the last 18 months I refuse to pay any more. Does the bread clip fix work with the 2004 V70 non turbo? The mechanic said the labor to even get to the clutch would be five hours or so. Where mine is located they have to come from the top not the bottom of the car. Any thoughts?? I may just suffer through another summer and trade in next year. Air works fine on long trips - just turns warm when idling and in stop and go traffic. Thanks!

Post by **JDS60R** » 09 May 2013, 14:56

Comes out fine between subframe and rad core support. Directions attached. Keep in mind a new OEM compressor (most 2001-2007 models) with clutch is only about $150 when purchased outside the dealership.

I keep them connected and work on them through the small opening at the bottom corner of the engine compartment. I take out the right amount of shims ( usually the thicker one) and put it back together. Because I keep the lines attached I do not need to discharge or recharge. You will need a bungie cord to hold it in the hole while you are working on it. If you can weld you can build a small tool to pull off the outer plate with it in position but you only have about 2 inches to work in.

http://www.swedishautoparts.com/V70/Vol ... ml#linkbar

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 10 May 2013, 07:05

Another common failure in the P2's is a bad evaporator temp sensor, inexpensive and easy fix.

Symptoms of a bad evap temp sensor is that AC cools fine for about 5-10 min then the air blown is warm. This is due to the evaporator icing up and not working properly and removing heat from the system.

leehigdon · Post by **leehigdon** » 11 May 2013, 13:23

Thanks so much for the advice. My husband and I are not DIYers when it comes to servicing or fixing our cars. Do either of you have advice on where I could take my car to have someone professionally shim the clutch for us? I called a Firestone here and they said they would not do that. I would have to call Volvo. There are some local garages around here I may approach, but have read on-line where others have found mechanics that will do this for them for around $175.00. I am located in Middle Tennessee. Firestone and Goodyear are practically the only names that come up when I search the web for automotive air conditioning mechanics or specialists. Thanks again.

Post by **JRL** » 11 May 2013, 15:05

Most shops will not do that

Post by **jalex19100** » 15 May 2013, 20:20

My AC would only work for a few to 15 minutes then I could feel the clutch relay clicking but the clutch wasn't engaging. I also did the shim removal on my 01 v70 without loosening the compressor. It was horrible with my chubby hands, but it worked. I drilled holes into a spare metal plate as a tool to pull off the pulley. The space to work in is indeed very tight. The shims are tiny.

leehigdon · Post by **leehigdon** » 31 May 2013, 15:54

Got four quotes on getting a new compressor installed. Best one was steagall automotive in Murfreesboro tennessee. I paid around $610 including tax. Unfortunately my vin number on my 2004 volvo required the more expensive compressor. Picked it up today in 80 degree weather and seems to be working well so far and keeping cold in stop and go traffic. Two of the other quotes were in the $1200 range and one was around $720. He charged two hours of labor and the remainder was parts and tax. Found about steagall through this website and then read a ton if reviews on line and they were all good. One thing to note is that he requires check or cash payments. No credit cards at this time. This is a recent change. When I was leaving he pointed to a volvo SUV that was there for the same problem. He has also had to replace the compressors in all his family's Volvos.