1996 850 GLT, Problems with the AC, EVAP, and Speakers

MrEasyChillz · Post by **MrEasyChillz** » 18 Sep 2014, 21:24

HI, My 96 850 wagon has been having a few issues lately, any tips or suggestions you guys could give would be awesome.

My first problem is by far the newest. All my speakers except my front driver side speakers stopped working the other day. I haven't had a chance to really investigate what the problem is, but I would be grateful for any suggestions of where to start.

Secondly, the ac system, which has proven to be quite tricky. When I got my 850 the ac system wasn't working, which was to be expected from a car that old. My first thought was that the system no longer had any freon coolant, so I added plenty of coolant to fill the system. That didn't work. My second though was that there was either a leak in the system, or the compressor might be having problems. This proved wrong as well. Not only was the ac system operating within the optimal pressure levels, but the compressor was cycling on and off properly, seeming to show no signs of any problems. Even after all that, only warm air comes out. Any suggestions?

Lastly, my check engine light recently came on. To find out what the issue is, I went to my car's OBD-II port. This gave me an error code for a small systems leak in the EVAP system (I believe the error code was 0442, but I don't recall exactly). I discussed this with a friend of mine who is a mechanic and he recommended that I try replacing the gas cap. It was a cheap fix, and the cap was well worn anyway, so I did. This solved my problem for awhile, about 700 miles worth of driving. Recently the light has come back on, with the same error code. Any suggestions of what I should look at next?

Thanks for reading. Any help you guys could give would be awesome.

Post by **jreed** » 19 Sep 2014, 05:36

For the speaker problems, I would pull out the head unit and check the connector at the back to make sure it is seated. Are you using one of the original Volvo "SC" units or an aftermarket unit? You could also swap in a different head unit to see if it's the speakers (unlikely but possible that they could all blow out at the same time), the wiring & connectors or the head unit.

For the AC system, somebody else will have to chime in with advice on how to get to the bottom of the problem you're experiencing. What type of climate control system does the car have, Manual or Automatic "ECC"?

For the P0442 code, I would recommend reading through this post for places to check for broken, disconnected or cracked hoses in the evaporative emissions system:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=63069

Good luck!

Post by **regent** » 19 Sep 2014, 06:14

Adding refrigerant may solve the problem if you know that you've lost just a small amount of it.
The AC system is usually diagnosed best with a manifold gage after a good visual (some leaks may be revealed by the oil residue) unless you have an electrical/electronics issue.

Can you hear the clutch engage (if the compressor is attampting to run at all); you may be able to get some pressure readings - and then go from there.

Post by **rmmagow** » 19 Sep 2014, 07:04

For the AC, make sure your vent flaps are moving the way they should. Heat is on all the time in these cars (I Think) so the flaps block the heat and let the cold come in. My P0422 was a small vacuum hose in the "tree" in back of the throttle cable, but and elbow under there can toss that code.

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 19 Sep 2014, 07:09

Ya for the ac compressor i would check to see if it is engaging after you turn the ac on. If it goes on for a few seconds and then shuts off repeatedly that would seem to show low refrigerant. Check your pressure. If you just filled it you may have a leak. If the pressure is fine then I would check to see if you have a clutch gap problem. Search about it to learn more, and there is a backyard fix by using zip ties. Hope that helps!

MrEasyChillz · Post by **MrEasyChillz** » 20 Sep 2014, 18:21

A quick update: I took a look at the back of my head unit (which is the original one the car came with, same goes for the speakers), and nothing looks out of the ordinary or loose. I also took a look at the passenger side speaker, again nothing appears to be out of the ordinary, however it does slightly vibrate when I turn the radio on.

I haven't gotten a chance to look at the at the AC or EVAP system, between work and school. I'll probably take a look at the EVAP first because I just got an error code for a large EVAP Systems leak (P0455). I'll be sure to use the thread Jreed provided, which will make my life quite easier.

As for the AC, where would the compressor and it's connection to the clutch be under the hood. I'll freely admit that I'm still learning about my car, as I've only had it for about six months.

I also got an error code for Cylinder 2 Misfiring (P0302). Is this something I should really worry about, and how would I go about addressing it?

Thanks again.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Sep 2014, 19:11

The gas cap didn't fix your evap leak, it probably just took 700 miles to go ready and. Trip the CEL again.

Post by **timmybdaddyof3** » 20 Sep 2014, 21:40

As far as the ac, front passenger side corner on the bottom, easiest way to check is with the car running have someone cycle the AC button on and off while you listen for the click of the clutch engaging.

You said originally the AC was engaging and pressures were "optimal", if this is really the case, I would be looking at the temp doors. - Is it ECC or Manual climate control.

As far as Evap error - Abscate is probably correct...start by chasing vacuum lines - they are cheap to replace and very often neglectied.

As far as misfire codes, 1. check your plug wires, 2. what type of spark plug are you running.

As far as the radio what model is it (will look like SC-xxx) If you lost 3 speakers it sounds like an amp/headunit issue more than a speaker/wiring issue