2002 V70 XC Air Conditioning Failed After Replacing Alternator

joshdecker · Post by **joshdecker** » 04 Jul 2017, 22:18

My alternator recently started failing, the diodes went bad according to the parts store who tested it. The air conditioning was working perfectly until I replaced the alternator. Once I replaced it, it is only blowing hot air, no cooling at all. I looked to see if the compressor is engaging at all, and it appears that it is not.

I have verified that the serpentine belt is properly installed, and checked to be sure the AC compressor is fully mounted (just below the alternator). I put a gauge on the low pressure line, and turned everything on, it is reading extremely high pressure, and the compressor unit is not engaged.

I have also checked the fuses to ensure they are not blown, and they are in good working order.

Any idea what may have caused this and what the possible solution would be?

Thanks for the help!

Post by **JDS60R** » 04 Jul 2017, 22:34

AC electrical connection is right below alternator and is commonly knocked loose during alternator removal or installation.

Static pressure of Ac system should be around 70 psi without compressor engaged

joshdecker · Post by **joshdecker** » 04 Jul 2017, 22:50

Awesome, I'll check the connection and see if that is the issue. I really appreciate the quick response!

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 05 Jul 2017, 05:18

yes what JD said, theres a single connector, it runs off 12v, for a quick test you can hook a wire from the battery to the a/c clutch wire and see it engage.

joshdecker · Post by **joshdecker** » 05 Jul 2017, 06:40

ok, so the connector did not appear to be loose at all. Was nice and tight.

Post by **abscate** » 06 Jul 2017, 20:11

See if you are getting 12 VDC to the connector when you command AC from the dash.

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 07 Jul 2017, 05:45

Maybe the air conditioning failure is a coincidence with your alternator replacement. Have you removed shims from your compressor yet? Being a 2002, it may be long overdue (dependent on usage over the last 15 years). There are multiple threads in this forum concerning the need to close the gap when the compressor won't pull in. Search "breadclip fix". I personally used plastic tie straps.
Good luck.