1999 Volvo V70 AWD XC, AC works for a little while, then hot

awbooth · Post by **awbooth** » 12 Jul 2007, 13:04

Hi again everyone. I have a 1999 V70 AWD XC wagon. The air conditioning works for starters, then after about 10 minutes hot air blows out. I shut the system down, wait 10 minutes, then the AC works again. I received some help mentioning the cabin temp sensor should be replaced due to the fact that I have an electronic controlled ac system. Could there be any other sensor "AC related" I should replace. Keep in mind the recycle light and the off light blink for about a minute when I start the car and then stops blinking. That can't be normal. I replaced the cabin temp. sensor, it stills has the same problem. Comes out ice cold for a while then craps out. Must have enough r-134a otherwise it would never get cold. Thanks again to the Volvo experts!!
Anthony

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 Jul 2007, 14:00

This is a classic clutch shimming symptom. As the AC clutch material wears the gap gets excessive and then the compressor thermal switch shuts it down.

A very good thread on the subject is here:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/Ac-Therm ... 76833.html

Be sure to read N8-50's excellent PDF writeup on the repair. It seems to work for everyone who has tried it.

...Lee

Frink1234 · Post by **Frink1234** » 12 Jul 2007, 15:33

Thanks for the link to this thread. It saved me from searching the entire forum for it. Glad to see I have a "classic" problem with my '97 850 and that it's readily fixable.
Thanks!

Post by **vince** » 12 Jul 2007, 18:24

I have the exact same problem with mine too! It's a 850 Turbo wagon, 2.3L, 1995. And it's summer in SoCal too!

My question is, how expensive are the parts, and how much shop time is involved? I looked at the pictures, and I am not equipped - nor do I feel much like - to work under my car.

Frink1234 · Post by **Frink1234** » 13 Jul 2007, 05:23

I am waiting for a return call from a local repair guy I've dealt with and I will let you know. My past experience tells me that I never get out of there without spending between 400 - 600. We shall see.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Jul 2007, 08:00

My question is, how expensive are the parts, and how much shop time is involved? I looked at the pictures, and I am not equipped - nor do I feel much like - to work under my car.

The parts cost is nill. It is pure labor but I'm not sure if a shop will even do the job. A/C repairs for a shop are good business but they have to stand behind the work. If they haven't done it before then I doubt that they will even try.

...Lee

awbooth · Post by **awbooth** » 13 Jul 2007, 13:07

Thanks for the awesome advice!!! I got everything apart to remove a shim from the AC Clutch and I cannot for the life of me get it off. I put bolts in the front clutch plate to try to push it off the compressor housing.... NO DICE. Please help and thanks for saving me billions at the dealer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Antman

awbooth · Post by **awbooth** » 13 Jul 2007, 13:13

I wanted to add one more thing about my compressor on my 1999 Volvo V70. I could not find the thermal switch wiring deal on the compressor. Photos I've looked at must be older volvo's. The only wire I found on the compressor is mounted to a steel sleeve on the compressor. It has a plastic plug like an in line fuse. I unplugged that and found the compressor stopped working till I plugged it back in again. Please help and thanks again!!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Jul 2007, 13:41

The writeup is a tad fuzzy when it comes to the M-6 bolt in the center.

I believe the procedure is to remove the original bolt from the center of the clutch face and then install the other M-6 bolt so that it protrudes above the top of the clutch face. - I would guestimate that it should protrude 1/2" or so. This creates the point that the puller pulls against as you tighten M-5 bolts down. Even tension on the M-5 bolts is likely very important so that the clutch doesn't try to bind on the shaft.

I've not done this so I have no other "pearls of wisdom" to offer from experience.

...Lee

awbooth · Post by **awbooth** » 16 Jul 2007, 11:02

Thanks Lee!!
Question: I know the proper gap between the ac clutch and the compressor should be about .04mm, BUT, what if I take too many shims and make the gap too small?
Also, could the recycle button and off button flashing for about 30 seconds when starting the car have anything to do with this AC problem? When I start my car both the recycle button and off button blink orange for 30 seconds, than they stop. Thanks again!!!