A/C issues

dejongmc · Post by **dejongmc** » 25 May 2010, 11:38

Car: 1997 Volvo 850 non-turbo.

Since yesterday the A/C is not as cold anymore. I noticed that I do not hear that click sound anymore every 30 to 40 seconds, which makes me think that the compressor is not coming on any more. The A/C is still blowing a little cold air.
In the engine compartment on the passenger side, right next to the fan in the front, is that the compressor?

I did try to recharge the system but with no luck.
When I turn the A/C on I hear a click, not that is the only click I hear. Not the regular 'going on - going off' clicks.

Any recommendations?

arsenal6 · Post by **arsenal6** » 25 May 2010, 13:13

I think the clicking is normal, mine does that. Its not cold either so far this summer, a volvo mechanic told me the refridgerant inside the AC turns acidic and burns through the containment hence why its not cold =\ expensive fix...and common issue

dejongmc · Post by **dejongmc** » 25 May 2010, 14:41

Thanks. Do you remember what the fix was?

Is there a way to troubleshoot the problem?
It can be the compressor, Pressostat or pressure switch?

I have been searching but no luck when it comes down to troubleshoot an A/C problem.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 May 2010, 19:27

You have a low charge on the R-134A coolant. If you are cycling at present 1 can should do it. It is obviously leaking at least a bit which normally means a new evap coil and that is not fun. Doable but not fun. I have one car in the same boat but it is at the one can / month stage. Until it gets worse I will add a can of R-134A / month and keep my wife from complaining.

...Lee

dejongmc · Post by **dejongmc** » 25 May 2010, 19:38

The problem is now obvious. When I turn on the A/C freon is coming out of one of the lines by the compressor. Not sure which one yet, was hard to see.
This morning I drove to work with the A/C on, a little cold air came out, but now I realize it was not cycling, so I hope I did not blow out the compressor.

hostsb · Post by **hostsb** » 25 May 2010, 19:59

Please help. Have a 97 850 glt with a Auto .... ecc lighs blink and the controler is not working ( switchs the vents and the temp but conpressor runs all the time ------ . Fan stays on all the time even when the key is off. I have just replaced the blower resister and it is still doing the same thing. when I pull fuse 5 the fan goes off. I have no way to check for codes........ Please help............. also when I turn the lights on the lights on the ecc go off....???????????

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 May 2010, 20:11

To well and truly diagnose your problem I need the ECC error codes. That said, your power stage for the blower motor has shorted out. There is a good chance that if you replace the power stage the blower will at least work properly again.

...Lee

hostsb · Post by **hostsb** » 25 May 2010, 20:18

thank you sooooo much for the fas reply........ where and what does the power stage do......... where can I find it in the car?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 May 2010, 20:34

The ECC power stage is often referred to as the blower resistor. It is inset into the main air duct between the blower motor and the main climate control unit. With the ECC the part is very different than it is with the MCC so be sure to get the appropriate part.

I thought I had a picture of it but I can't find it at the moment. I is located to the left of the blower motor but to the right of the A/C relay shelf after you remove the lower dash cover on the passenger's side of the North American car.

...Lee

hostsb · Post by **hostsb** » 25 May 2010, 20:43

Lee again thank you.... I just bought this and installed it today...... the fan is still on until i pull fuse 5....... is there anything more I can do.....