2003 v70 AC Compressor seized

Jkaka · Post by **Jkaka** » 29 Apr 2015, 12:45

Hello everybody. I'm new here. I have a '03 V70 that stalled out and started pouring smoke out of the hood a few days ago. After towing back to my house, I found the pulley attached to the AC compressor had a lot of black, burned gunk underneath (see posted pic). There was a foul electrical burn smell. When I start the car back up, the pulley does spin.

A few days before this happened, I heard a metallic jingling noise coming directly from there. I thought it was the alternator seizing up, so I whacked it a few times to no avail. The next day when I drove to work, there was no noise, so I figured I'd keep an eye on the alternator and see what happens. Then the above story unfolded.

I have no experience with the ACC. From what I understand, the ACC Clutch most likely jammed up and seized up the pulley. Perhaps the metallic jingling was the clutch plate coming loose and waobbling around?

The big question here is whether I can just fix the clutch and bypass the ACC altogether. On many cars, you can just take out the clutch plate and let the pulley spin freely. On the v70, it seems that you can't even get the top of the clutch off without a special tool. In fact, I can't even get my hands in there.

I want to avoid paying $1000 to 2000 on the repair for this. I don't use the ac, but I know it kicks on for the defogger. I can live without it. I don't have the money to pay a mechanic to replace the whole unit, which he will insist on. Can I get around this? Could someone give me some advice on getting my car operational again?
Someone told me that maybe all I need to do is unplug the acc and the pulley will spin fine. I doubt it, and haven't found any info to back that one up.
Thanks for any help!
-John

Post by **abscate** » 30 Apr 2015, 03:14

If just the clutch is burned out you can disable the AC any number of ways, pull the wire on the compressor, pull the plug on the low pressure switch, or pull the AC fuse.

If the bearing is gone on the AC compressor, you need to source the shorter, non AC serpentine belt and just install it, skipping the AC compressor. Folks with The Volvo software can help here.

Stay cool!

Jkaka · Post by **Jkaka** » 01 May 2015, 16:19

Thanks so much for your reply! This has been a bit confusing for me. I did unplug the compressor, and the pulley spins. When I shut the engine off though, the pulley is pretty hot. I can hold my finger to it for about a second. No burns, but it does seem to get very hot. I'm afraid to take it too far. So far, it's just been to the edge of my driveway and back. I rev it a few times, and it sputters a bit, but doesn't stall.

The pulley shouldn't get so hot, right? I suspect the bearing is shot. I don't think I'm going to get off that easy!

I'm not sure what you mean by Volvo software. Is there a forum for this? I'm keen to get this belt. I'm wondering if this will change the RPM of the alternator, and everything else in the serpentine path? Still trying to wrap my head around it, but if I can solve this by swapping a belt, I'm all in!
Thanks!

Post by **oragex** » 01 May 2015, 17:27

if you go the easy way someone suggested going to a good auto parts store (such as NAPA) and ask the guys if they can help. As for the alt voltage, you don't change the alt pulley diameter so I believe it will keep the same rpm.

Don't know if this fits your engine:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... -Ac-delete

Jkaka · Post by **Jkaka** » 07 May 2015, 13:50

I've asked around and finally run into a Volvo mechanic who tracked down a delete bracket for me. I have part #s for it, but as I am in the states, I'll likely have to find something overseas, which is a bit of a hassle with shipping, especially if I get the wrong item. Is there no better way to do this? I can't believe there is no shorter belt. Could there still be?

Post by **JDS60R** » 07 May 2015, 16:15

Pay an A/C repair shop to replace the bearing in the ac pulley for you.
Or do it yourself with a rental tool for the clutch from Orielly a 10 mm, 13 mm and a set of snap ring pliers.

DBULL · Post by **DBULL** » 02 Mar 2018, 11:48

My sons 01 V70 compressor seized out of the blue.He came for a visit(in December) and got ready to leave and the car would start,run for a few seconds and shut down like the motor was locking up.I disconnected the ac power feed wire and everything went back to normal.I will replace the compressor with a pick& pull unit before hot weather gets here.This happened at 210k,so we really can't complain.

Post by **abscate** » 02 Mar 2018, 14:31

We are wiser since this thread was first posted.

If the AC compressor seizes, just pull the plug and that will give a code on the ECC control unit, but no harm done.

If the AC compressor clutch seizes or self-immolates, you can't drive the car until you get a belt that turns the other accessories and bypasses the AC.

On 1999- on cars, unfortunately the alternator has to be turned only one way, and all the bypass belts we have located here reverse this, so this is an emergency, 30 mile, get home solution only.

Covered in other threads.