Hello,
We own a 1999 Volvo S70 and the air conditioning intermittently fails to cool the air, but at times blows nice cool air. Sometimes the A/C will blow cold air for 20 minutes, then start blowing warm, moist air. The problem seems to exacerbate when the car is left sitting in the sun. We live in the desert, so this is quite an issue in the Summer. We have had the Freon changed and when that failed to work, we had the circuit board and blower replaced with no apparent change in the function of the air conditioner. The volvo mechanic here does not know what else to try. Does anyone have any ideas?
Eric
Intermittent A/C
-
erikv11
- Posts: 11800
- Joined: 25 July 2009
- Year and Model: 850, V70, S60R, XC70
- Location: Iowa
- Has thanked: 292 times
- Been thanked: 765 times
This symptom is usually due to normal wearing of the clutch on the AC compressor.
Do some searching on this forum, it is posted about a lot. You can check the clutch gap yourself, it is probably too big. To fix it you can remove a shim to get the gap back in spec (requires wrenching and some effort, some people take this job to the mechanic), or use plastic bread clips, or use zip ties (last two are easy DIYs). You will find explanations for all three in recent posts on this forum.
Do some searching on this forum, it is posted about a lot. You can check the clutch gap yourself, it is probably too big. To fix it you can remove a shim to get the gap back in spec (requires wrenching and some effort, some people take this job to the mechanic), or use plastic bread clips, or use zip ties (last two are easy DIYs). You will find explanations for all three in recent posts on this forum.
'95 854 T-5R, Motronic 4.4, 185k
'98 V70, T5 tune-injectors-turbo, LPT engine, 304k, daily driver
'06 S60 R, 197k
'07 XC70, black, 205k
'07 XC70, willow green, 212k
'99 Camry V6
153k
gone: '96 NA 850 210k, '98 NA V70 182k, '98 S70 NA 225k, '96 855 NA 169k
'98 V70, T5 tune-injectors-turbo, LPT engine, 304k, daily driver
'06 S60 R, 197k
'07 XC70, black, 205k
'07 XC70, willow green, 212k
'99 Camry V6
153kgone: '96 NA 850 210k, '98 NA V70 182k, '98 S70 NA 225k, '96 855 NA 169k
-
burnout8488
- Posts: 504
- Joined: 18 June 2011
- Year and Model: 1999 S70 AWD
- Location: Endwell, NY
Your mechanic should have added dye before checking for a leak and needlessly recharging the system.
I have no idea why your problem would lead a Volvo mechanic to change the circuit board and blower motor, totally unnecessary repairs.
As erikv11 said, the clutch is a common fault as it wears.
Your A/C is exhibiting the same symptoms mine does. My issue was that the charge of refrigerant wasn't enough, so when the outside air cooled off, the refrigerant became less dense, and the pressure dropped below what the system was designed to operate, hence turning it off. It's possible you have a small leak in the evaporator (behind the dashboard) as well, which would cause it to slowly seep out over time. But, I would start by checking the A/C clutch first.
I have no idea why your problem would lead a Volvo mechanic to change the circuit board and blower motor, totally unnecessary repairs.
As erikv11 said, the clutch is a common fault as it wears.
Your A/C is exhibiting the same symptoms mine does. My issue was that the charge of refrigerant wasn't enough, so when the outside air cooled off, the refrigerant became less dense, and the pressure dropped below what the system was designed to operate, hence turning it off. It's possible you have a small leak in the evaporator (behind the dashboard) as well, which would cause it to slowly seep out over time. But, I would start by checking the A/C clutch first.
'13 BMW X1 35i M-Sport
'99 S70 AWD/FWD - 198K - FOR SALE!
'99 S70 AWD/FWD - 198K - FOR SALE!
Hi,
I would like to add some more volvo exerience regarding the A/C. Just been through another 'dealer' experience.
1999 V70
The a/c started shutting down completely and randomly but increasing interval. The air exiting the vents was still cold but the main fan would shut down.
Dealer replaced the left climate control motor (a code said to) 500 bucks later and no dice. Same problems.
Clutch :: open hood, watch the cluthc with a flashlight if needed , have helper start car and you can see it engage if it works.
5 minutes
Our issue :: finally diagnosed as Alternator failure .... and due to driving for 2 weeks like this battery failure.
I pulled the alternator in 20 minutes or less .... (plus a few coffess to figure out the riddle )
Check you Alternator and Battery performance .... is the dash lighting up with lots of check engine lights ....
I would like to add some more volvo exerience regarding the A/C. Just been through another 'dealer' experience.
1999 V70
The a/c started shutting down completely and randomly but increasing interval. The air exiting the vents was still cold but the main fan would shut down.
Dealer replaced the left climate control motor (a code said to) 500 bucks later and no dice. Same problems.
Clutch :: open hood, watch the cluthc with a flashlight if needed , have helper start car and you can see it engage if it works.
5 minutes
Our issue :: finally diagnosed as Alternator failure .... and due to driving for 2 weeks like this battery failure.
I pulled the alternator in 20 minutes or less .... (plus a few coffess to figure out the riddle )
Check you Alternator and Battery performance .... is the dash lighting up with lots of check engine lights ....
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post