2000 S70 - Question about A/C compressor shim fix

[jimmy57]

The compressor relay in the engine compartment fuse/relay box can do that as can the ECC control unit.
The ambient temp sensor next to blower on case could fool the ECC into thinking it is below the compressor cut in temp. but this would likely give other abnormal behaviors besides just a/c compressor.
The engine control unit has authority over compressor and ECT sensor problems can cause the ECM to interrupt compressor relay operation and thus compressor. ANy codes for ECT sensor or other driveability problems?
Last, the compressor has an overtemp switch for compressor circuit on the back of compressor. If this was bad in some way it might complete the circuit when the compressor body warms up from engine temp.

IF it is the relay you could probably start the car and tap on the compressor relay and the compressor would click on.
ECC control unit problems are probably best resolved by elimination of the other items.
Overtemp switch can (and should anyway) be taken out of circuit by unplugging the wires on side of compressor and plugging the feed wire directly into clutch wire with the overtemp switch wires left disconnected. On some the wiring connectors do not allow this but I think it works on that year 900.

[pt850]

I read everyone's comments on the "bread clip" fix for excessive A/C compressor clutch gap. I bought some .015" brass shim and after I slipped pieces of it under the three "points" of the triangular pressure plate, the gap is now at .020" and the clutch still cycles on and off. Great. My question is: everyone's illustrations of the shims have a notch cut in them (just as the bread clips have the notch to hold the plastic bag closed), but I could get an inch-long shim under the plate points without any notch. I wonder if I am placing the shims in the wrong place.
Thanks.

pt850

[SeeSeventy]

I cannot find the a/c compressor bread clip shim fix tutorial. I have a 1999 C70. Can anyone direct to that tutorial?

[cn90]

This THREAD has tons of good info on the shim fix.

Most people just loosen the mounting bolts (do NOT remove the AC compressor from the car).
Use something (wood blocks) to support the AC compressor, then start working on it:

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850- ... ming-6665/

[SeeSeventy]

thanks cn90 - let me go to your link too. I let the thread if it works on my C70 1999.

[SeeSeventy]

cn90, I had seen the one that you sent me to -but, isn't there a way to try sticking a bread wrapper clip in as a shim? I'll keep scanning this and the other threads on Matthew's. Thank you,

[jblackburn]

This is the one you're referring to (you need a VS login to see the picture):
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/80 ... h-gap-fix/

I believe the compressors on the 1999 are different, so I don't know if this will work for you.

[SeeSeventy]

Oh - nice picture jblackburn - thank you! I'll go check my clutch, I know just from memory that mine looks very similar to the one pictured. I'll let you know if the fix works.

[bobice]

When I checked my V70 2000 X/C, the condenser seems to be lacking the places for inserting bread clips. I wonder if any of you fixed you 99/00 V70/S70 with the bread cplips? Thanks.

[cn90]

I have a related question on my 2007 Honda Odyssey van.

In August 2010, the AC Clutch went out and this was replaced by dealer A in South Carolina.
Now it is May 2011, the AC Clutch went out again and will be fixed under warranty. Dealer B now says when the AC Clutch went out last year, dealer A should have done the whole thing:
1- AC Clutch ($300 parts + $300 labor = $600)
2- Check and clean the AC Compressor for debris, if the whole R134a system is contaminated, then they replace the whole AC system: AC Compressor, AC lines, Condenser, Evaporator = $3000 total.

I have doubt about #2 above!
I always though AC Clutch is an electro-mechanical component and has basically “nothing to do” with the compressor/R134a issue, i.e., when the AC clutch goes bad it is because the part is bad and not caused by the AC compressor.

My $1M question is: can a bad AC compressor cause AC Clutch damage?
Any advices?