01 S80 a/c cuts out with soft acceleration periodically

midimykeys · Post by **midimykeys** » 19 May 2014, 14:28

This 2.9 non-turbo automatic has been amazing in every other aspect. When a light turns green, or I'm merging onto a highway, it seems like the compressor kicks off and warm air fills the cabin. I've tried two things: leaving the instrument panel alone and give it time to get cold again (which it doesn't) and turning off the a/c switch and shutting the fan off. Turning off the a/c and giving it about a minute usually fixes the problem, until the next time I need to accelerate. It's extremely annoying, and I don't think this is one of those issues where a little freon would fix, but I'm probably wrong.

majorcode · Post by **majorcode** » 25 May 2014, 03:54

I am following your post and I wonder no one replies. I am having the same issue.

Will appreciate if you post the solution when you find out.

Cheers!

midimykeys · Post by **midimykeys** » 29 May 2014, 11:26

I've read that the R-134a level is probably low. Crazy thing is, there's a high-side valve right at the top of the radiator shield (sticking out in the most easy to get to place), but the fitting is too big for a standard nozzle. The one that fits is the low-side valve, which is located at the bottom of the steering pump reservoir. It's extremely difficult to get to, you have to remove the coolant and power steering reservoirs. Obviously Volvo does not want the average Joe to add cans of R134. The dealer can add/charge the system from the high side, but not us. Dunno, I haven't tackled the low-side valve yet. If anyone wants to weigh in, I need knowledge!~

Post by **VCA** » 29 May 2014, 13:57

midimykeys wrote:This 2.9 non-turbo automatic has been amazing in every other aspect. When a light turns green, or I'm merging onto a highway, it seems like the compressor kicks off and warm air fills the cabin. I've tried two things: leaving the instrument panel alone and give it time to get cold again (which it doesn't) and turning off the a/c switch and shutting the fan off. Turning off the a/c and giving it about a minute usually fixes the problem, until the next time I need to accelerate. It's extremely annoying, and I don't think this is one of those issues where a little freon would fix, but I'm probably wrong.

Short of evacuating the charge and weighing it, there's no way to know. Check the compressor clutch gap. It should be between 0.3mm (0.012") and 0.5mm (0.020"). If it's over that, it could be that the clutch needs shimming.

THAI UNG · Post by **THAI UNG** » 29 May 2014, 22:02

If you just want to get to the low pressure valve this is how I did last summer: left hand hold down the coolant reservoir and right hand pull up the power steering reservoir wiggle it a bit when it out then put it on the top of engine(without disconnect any hoses).now you can see the valve cap clearly,use ratchet+extension+socket that fit the cap and makes half a turn counterclockwise and then loose it by hand to prevent the cap fall off in to splash pan,it's a pain to retrieve it. Connect charging hose then start the engine turn on AC and fan full blast,let the charge begin.BiggerConnector on high pressure side is for safety reason,that high pressure can bust the tin can and cause injury.Hope it helps...

midimykeys · Post by **midimykeys** » 30 May 2014, 08:13

Thanks Thai, I had the power steering and cooling reservoir moved off to the side the other day, but the low side valve was so deep down in the engine that I couldn't snap the hose around the valve successfully. I need to try again with more determination. Just in case it is a gap issue with the clutch, do you know if if it's easy to do, how does one go about shimming?

THAI UNG · Post by **THAI UNG** » 30 May 2014, 14:02

Sorry,I never done AC clutch before,but there are videos on YouTube,showed how to replace the AC clutch on some Volvo,which is similar to s80.

midimykeys · Post by **midimykeys** » 31 May 2014, 11:29

I just added refrigerant to the low side, (40psi @ 80 degrees) and the a/c ran fine for 20 minutes in the driveway...until I turned it off and back on again. I am almost certain now that it is an a/c clutch shimming problem. I saw a tutorial on youtube about replacing an a/c clutch for a 2003 XC90, but does anyone have a year/model specific tutorial, or know the best way to go about doing this? I am hoping to avoid an indie shop.

midimykeys · Post by **midimykeys** » 31 May 2014, 11:54

I just let the a/c run again for a few minutes, then turned it off. Turning it back on, you should hear a click from the compressor clutch engaging. There was no click, and warm air started to blow through the vents. I then took a broom handle and tapped the clutch, and it immediately engaged, and cold air started to blow through the vents. I've read that bread clips can be used to shim the clutch on 850's and various other models, and am wondering if the same technique can be applied to the S80. Anyone have experience with this fix for this model? If so, tips, video, or a tutorial would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 31 May 2014, 14:39

Just look at the clutch face and see if it looks like you can put material in to reduce the gap.

It's unlikely there will be much difference in these parts on these cars.

Also check part numbers at MVS vendors above for reference, too.