AC problem

BlackThunder · Post by **BlackThunder** » 03 Jul 2024, 16:43

Hot in Minnesota. AC works well for 2 minutes then blows hot. I shut it off for 1 minute and then it works again for 3 minutes. So on and so on.

Is this the cabin air temp sensor going bad?

The AC does work but it won't stay engaged if that makes sense. I have also noticed during the winter my 72F doesn't feel like it used to. So maybe it is the temp sensor?

Go with a new one from IPD or a used eBay one?

Dustin
2013 Volvo C30

Post by **MoVolvos** » 03 Jul 2024, 17:15

BlackThunder wrote: ↑03 Jul 2024, 16:43 Hot in Minnesota. AC works well for 2 minutes then blows hot. I shut it off for 1 minute and then it works again for 3 minutes. So on and so on.

Is this the cabin air temp sensor going bad?

The AC does work but it won't stay engaged if that makes sense. I have also noticed during the winter my 72F doesn't feel like it used to. So maybe it is the temp sensor?

Go with a new one from IPD or a used eBay one?

Dustin
2013 Volvo C30

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Common problem with Volvos AC Clutch. Here is the fix for our 08 C30 T5 2.0 M66.
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viewtopic.php?p=580481&hilit=c30+ac+clutch#p580481
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BlackThunder · Post by **BlackThunder** » 03 Jul 2024, 21:10

Thabks. I had tried that with the bread clips on my 850.

Tonight I drove to my summer job and it didn't work well. On the way home (in the dark and cool of night) everything worked on the 30 minute drive home.

If it was low on refrigerant how would it act?

Dustin

Post by **MoVolvos** » 03 Jul 2024, 21:19

BlackThunder wrote: ↑03 Jul 2024, 21:10 Thabks. I had tried that with the bread clips on my 850.

Tonight I drove to my summer job and it didn't work well. On the way home (in the dark and cool of night) everything worked on the 30 minute drive home.

If it was low on refrigerant how would it act?

Dustin

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The bread clip should be thinner than the zip tie and may not be thick enough if the clutch gap is larger. Low refrigerant would cause the system to short cycle, meaning frequent on and off cycles. Your symptoms are that of the clutch gap. As mentioned the temperature makes a night and day difference whether the clutch will engage. The six zip ties are the quickest way to eliminate that as the issue.
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BlackThunder · Post by **BlackThunder** » 04 Jul 2024, 07:52

Ok, thanks, BKM. I'll go through that write up and see what I can do. The Zip ties would be a very cost effective solution.

My car is going to the shop on Monday - what would a shop do to fix this issue? An expensive clutch replacement? Or would this repair be a whole compressor replacement?

Just curious.

Thanks, again!

Dustin

Post by **MoVolvos** » 04 Jul 2024, 08:22

BlackThunder wrote: ↑04 Jul 2024, 07:52 Ok, thanks, BKM. I'll go through that write up and see what I can do. The Zip ties would be a very cost effective solution.

My car is going to the shop on Monday - what would a shop do to fix this issue? An expensive clutch replacement? Or would this repair be a whole compressor replacement?

Just curious.

Thanks, again!

Dustin

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If my memory serves me right there was a video or write up showing the clutch removal with a puller. It then shows the washers in the clutch which can adjust the gap.

I believe we removed the clutch on the C30 but the size was not sufficient in one way or another to make the adjustment internally so we opted for the ties. Wow, really kinda of foggy on pulling it but remember handling some washers in the clutch however.
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Post by **packetfire** » 13 Jul 2024, 08:53

Rather than using plastic zip ties, why not remove the clutch, and remove one or more of the thoughtfully-included precision-thickness washers that allow one to adjust the gap at issue? Is there no clearance to remove the clutch?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 13 Jul 2024, 17:00

packetfire wrote: ↑13 Jul 2024, 08:53 Rather than using plastic zip ties, why not remove the clutch, and remove one or more of the thoughtfully-included precision-thickness washers that allow one to adjust the gap at issue? Is there no clearance to remove the clutch?

MoVolvos wrote: ↑04 Jul 2024, 08:22
BlackThunder wrote: ↑04 Jul 2024, 07:52 Ok, thanks, BKM. I'll go through that write up and see what I can do. The Zip ties would be a very cost effective solution.

My car is going to the shop on Monday - what would a shop do to fix this issue? An expensive clutch replacement? Or would this repair be a whole compressor replacement?

Just curious.

Thanks, again!

Dustin
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If my memory serves me right there was a video or write up showing the clutch removal with a puller. It then shows the washers in the clutch which can adjust the gap.

I believe we removed the clutch on the C30 but the size was not sufficient in one way or another to make the adjustment internally so we opted for the ties. Wow, really kinda of foggy on pulling it but remember handling some washers in the clutch however.
.

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I believe my Son and I did remove the clutch but of the two washers neither was the correct gap alone so had to put it back. The zip tie is probably the worse in terms on optics for such an important component but it is the most cost effective long term fix for sure.
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