Back in the Volvo saddle again - and an AC question

Forkster · Post by **Forkster** » 23 Jun 2021, 10:53

Hi all,

For those who may remember me, I used to have a MY04 XC70 which I sold back in 2015. Still miss it. Recently I purchased a MY06 XC90, 2.5T - in great shape too!

A/C question - my AC is blowing warm and when I checked the compressor, isn't spinning at all when the AC is on. I saw the bread clip fix for the older 2.4/2.5 AC compressors and was wondering if because my AC compressor isn't spinning, would re-shimming it fix the issue or is there something more nefarious going on?

Post by **ZionXIX** » 23 Jun 2021, 11:41

Try bumping the clutch with a stick to see if it engages. Be very careful not to touch anything else. There are several reasons why it may not be working. Low freon, bad wire, failing magnetic clutch etc......

I'm investigating an intermittent problem with my AC as well on an '04 2.5T. My clutch will cut out after everything is warmed up. I suspect the clutch gap is too wide. Im going to attempt the breadclip bandaid but it's pretty tight in there.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 26 Jun 2021, 22:37

We need to know more details about it not working.

Over time, the clutch can wear, allowing the gap to increase. When everything is moderate temperatures, say on the first start of the day, the clutch will typically pull in and work fine. But when it gets very hot, (like when its >100°F out and the car has been running for a while,) the resistance in the coil goes up, and the 12V source is not able to put enough current into the magnetic clutch for it to be able to pull in and run the compressor. It works when cool, but not when very hot. This is what the "bread clip" fix will adjust for - close the gap up to spec, so the clutch can engage even when hot.

If it never engages, even when cold, this is more likely a symptom of something else awry - no refrigerant, or some other wiring issue. Check for 12V at the power connector to the clutch, and if no 12V then start tracing back. If there's no refrigerant, the low pressure switch will not close, so checking the refrigerant pressure is also a good place to start.

Also note - the breadclip trick can work, but the better option (if you are able) is to disassemble the clutch - there are some moveable shims in there that you can move / remove and accurately set the gap. It's a better fix if you can do it.

Hope this helps!

Roger