Recharge A/C - which port and where?

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 18 Jul 2010, 06:46

Hi,

The A/C on my 2000 V70XC at 168k doesn't cool much when the outside is 100 degree. So I tried to add more R134a, here is the problem: from the instruction on the can and most of the reading here, R134a should be filled into the system through the Low pressure port, where is this port located? I can see the A/C pressure sensor in the corner behind the engine on the passenger side, and there is a valve in the front of car on the same tube with the A/C pressure sensor. Is this the low pressure port?

But when I started to check VADIS, it said to fill in from the High valve. Confused!

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 18 Jul 2010, 07:45

According to this page, the low pressure port is the one I suspected:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/2009/ ... fixes.html

I guess I'll go ahead to charge through the low pressure port.

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 18 Jul 2010, 08:05

Vadis is assuming that the system is evacuated to a 29 inches of vacuum and the engine is NOT running...This is very important because the pressure at the high port can reach close to 300 pounds when the system is operating and serious injury from busting cans could result...I have never heard of this happening, but common sense tells us we don't want to pressurize a tin can to 300 pounds...For topping up a low system, it is done at the low pressure port, which is located below the power steering reservoir next to the serpentine belt...The engine should be running...

BTW, I have noted folks saying that they keep a can of refigerant in the car for emergencies...150 degrees in the sun is not an unusual temperature in a closed, parked car...At 150 degrees the static pressure of a can of refrigerant is 265 pounds...All pressurized cans of refrigerant, spray paints and propane tanks have a posted limit of 120 degrees...

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 19 Jul 2010, 17:51

that explains it. After putting in one and half cans, the A/C runs cold and the metal click sounds went away.

nwhitney · Post by **nwhitney** » 20 Jul 2010, 17:03

I think I may need to do this soon to my 2000 V70XC. bobice, can you add a photo of the port you the R134a to and maybe the steps? Thanks

geokilla · Post by **geokilla** » 20 Jul 2010, 18:24

nwhitney wrote:I think I may need to do this soon to my 2000 V70XC. bobice, can you add a photo of the port you the R134a to and maybe the steps? Thanks

The port is out of focus as I was trying to get the compressor, but you can still see the port.

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 20 Jul 2010, 20:58

It's the port with 6 Nm on it next to the serpentine belt. The steps can be found in the repair database I think. But briefly,
1. Take off the cap on the port. I had to use a small wrench to take it off.

2. Turn on car, turn A/C to max, recirculate inside car, blower max as well, wait 3 min.

3. Shake can vigorously, connect to the port, you'll feel the can becomes colder as R134a injected.

4. Done.

nwhitney · Post by **nwhitney** » 21 Jul 2010, 09:11

Awesome, thanks!

Post by **BoomerFT** » 09 Aug 2013, 11:52

Thanks Geokilla! This answers my question too.

I thought it odd that AllDataDIY shows attaching the hose to the front port, labeled 6nm (or something similar). The port in your photo - and on my 2006 XC90 - is labeled 3nm (or something similar). I wanted to be sure before attempting to add R134a freon. My wife is tired of vehicle not cooling off on 90 plus degree days.

Post by **BoomerFT** » 09 Aug 2013, 11:54

6nm sounded more like a higher pressure port than 3nm