'01 V70 AC recharge DIY possible?

FUBAR · Post by **FUBAR** » 01 Aug 2007, 22:58

I just got back from autozone with an R134a kit and two bottles of refridgerant, but to my dismay I have read online on other sites that the process is more complicated on our volvos

here's the link where I found it: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Volvo-Repair ... charge.htm
It apparantly requires an ac vacuum, dye and oil as well? I can't believe this! So I hope to get a 2nd oppinion from you guys before I return this $35 kit and go pay the dealer $140

Post by **JRL** » 02 Aug 2007, 05:55

Well, if you're dead out of freon you could, as long as you know the correct amount to put in BUT...without dye you will not know the reason why and where it leaked.
These are not Gen 1 cars with known evaporator problems and it will just be a matter of time before it leaks out again, probably sooner than later.
There is always a reason why freon leaks, you have to find out where and why.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Aug 2007, 06:16

One of the problems you run into is that the port on the newer V70's (unlike pre-'01's) is that it is a HIGH PRESSURE port....so I would not touch this myself personally unless I had a high pressure system....what you get at the auto dealer IS NOT.

FUBAR · Post by **FUBAR** » 02 Aug 2007, 09:37

A leak eh? I hear it is normal to recharge the AC every 5~6 seasons.
'firstvolvo' charged his ac on the low side, here and he says it works well now: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... t=recharge
How likely do you guys think it is that I have a leak somewhere as opposed to just need to more refridgerant?

I listened under the hood for the hissing/whistling(like an arosol can running out) sound that I've been hearing in the cabin (sound is heard when engine is on, and even when AC and fan are off) and it sounds like it is coming from the side of the engine near the pulleys, but the source is hard to pinpoint due to the engine noise. Could this be a pcv problem just happening at the same time as AC low on refridgerant? I'm afraid of the dealer telling me fairy tails in exchange for $$$$, so you guys are my best bet besides shopping around shops and get diagnostics.
Thanks much for you help, it is much appreciated!

Post by **JRL** » 02 Aug 2007, 16:04

Please gimme a break.
If you could hear a "hiss", which you cannot, it would leak out in 10 minutes.
No, a perfect A/C system should not have to be recharged every few years (not at all, period) but if that works for you, by all means do it

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 02 Aug 2007, 21:45

If you have a hiss from near the pullies, the big hisser over there is the turbo, or a leaky wastegate. Are you sure it's not the humm from the 1700 watts sub, and amp you have? Or is the buzz you got, from the ash tray? All in fun! Get two or more pro opinions.

FUBAR · Post by **FUBAR** » 09 Aug 2007, 11:15

I thought the hissing sound may have been a leak in one of the hoses related to ac or the compressor, but now, the compressor makes knocking sounds, so I disconnected it for fear of the clutch locking up and losing a belt. found a used compressor at erievovo.com for $162($583 dealer) shipped w/lifetime warranty, but labor at the shop will be 4+ hours