2007 XC90 3.2 AC not cooling

southernladder · Post by **southernladder** » 01 Sep 2014, 19:01

Hi All,
My wife has a XC90 and the AC is slow to cool on hot (90*+) summer days. It normally takes 10-15 minutes before the system starts to cool down.

The fan works, refrigerant is full, coils are clean, the systems works flawlessly on mild (80*) days.

I have been told that it is a compressor but if at all possible would like a second opinion/option before I drop about 900$ to fix it.

Thank you for your time and insight.........

Stravlr · Post by **Stravlr** » 02 Sep 2014, 19:44

take it to a indy shop (or anyone who can legit do a ac test) testing the system (most will do it for free) with a gauge set will tell you almost instantly if it is a failing compressor or not. (not enough pressure).

If not head over to Poe's and have a Firefly on ice and chill out that way

Post by **oragex** » 04 Sep 2014, 19:09

There is a air recirculating button that takes the air from inside the cabin instead of outside which diminishes greatly the A/C performance in hot conditions. Make sure you are not in automatic climate mode, make sure there is no light on the recirculating button - so it takes the air from outside.

There could also be an issue with the inside temp sensor, located on the center panel behind a little 'grid' window. You can try to blow some air to remove any dust from the sensor, make sure not to touch the sensor as it's very fragile.

Also make sure the ventilator fan near the engine is in operation when the A/C is running and the engine is warm.

southernladder · Post by **southernladder** » 04 Sep 2014, 19:19

Stavlr, I always ready for so Fiefly....

Oragnex, I try your recommendations. The clutch on the compressor engages as soon as the a/c is turned on. The line going out is ice cold while the line going in is hot (compressor lines). I'm not sure if they should both be the same temp. The fan facing the radiator works......

Thanks again for the guidance.

Drive Safe.

Post by **jimmy57** » 04 Sep 2014, 23:01

That vehicle has a variable displacement compressor. The solenoid on the compressor that controls compressor output can get compressor wear particles in it and stick. The compressor will get warm from engine heat and the solenoid will begin to work and it will start to cool. If it this problem the a/c would cool car normally if you stopped for 20 minutes and the car warmed up inside and then you started engine and drove off. The no cool for 10-15 min would repeat if the car sat for 4 or more hours and compressor got cooled down and solenoid contracted and stuck again.

To get this evaluated the shop will need to monitor the ECM(engine control module) values with a scan tool and see if the solenoid signal is changing. The climate control module (CCM) uses an evaporator temp probe to know evap temp and signals the ECM as to desired compressor pumping rate. CCM value for evaporator temp will also need to be verified for validity. If the duty cycle % for compressor from ECM is high (>70%) and it isn't cold and is full of refrigerant then the compressor is the bad guy almost assured.
How was refrigerant level determined? A vehicle with VD compressor is not accurately checked with the gauge on the can rig from parts store.

vmaxmike · Post by **vmaxmike** » 15 Apr 2015, 17:15

Is the solenoid an integral part of the compressor or can it be replaced separately?

Post by **jimmy57** » 15 Apr 2015, 20:59

You will have to check with a Dealer. I think all 3.2 XC90 compressors have this offered as a separate part. It is held in with a snap ring but does require refrigerant be evacuated and then recharged after it is installed.