Air con 'not working' Best next steps?
 

From when I purchased my T4 last year the a/c's not worked (heater/cooling is ok) but I'd not investigated it until now and I'm trying to work out the best order to check things out.

I appreciate that the system's 20 years old and so well before today any of the hoses could have perished or that there's already damage to a metal hose, so I'm starting from not knowing much about it's overall condition.

All I know so far is this:

1. The drive belt's still connected to the compressor pulley and the belt runs perfectly well

2. There are no nasty noises coming from the compressor

3. When I press the a/c button on the dash the a/c doesn't engage so the engine speed doesn't change (as it used to on my other a/c x40's).


Possible issues that I've found on the web:

1. Shimming the compressor - I've read on various posts on here and elsewhere https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/ca...limate-control and https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fo...ic.php?t=31130 that the pulley shim width can often cause a problem (the cable-tie fix) but that seemed to be something that shows up by the compressor working some of the time?

2. General check the fuse and relay in the fuse box - will check these tommorow

3. Thermal sensor problems https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/vo...hermal-switch/

4. Fluid loss meaning the system simply won't switch on

5. A break in the cable somewhere

6. Pressure switch failure

7. Expansion value or some other component

8... Anything else I should know about?

AIUI if there's too little gas in system then the compressor's clutch won't be able to switch in, so perhaps the simplest 'next step' might be to take it to an aircon specialist that does a "cold or your money back" guarantee.

I know I won't be the 1st to try to fix this system on a Volvo, so what might be some good things to check, hopefully easily ... and cheaply?

Thanks

I'm in the same position with my T4, I'm just going to take it to somewhere that does a regas, as with various cars I've owned it's always been a case of the refrigerant having run out.

Best of luck. I'm having similar issues with my C30 and it seems to be a process of illimination (not to mention guess work) as to what the problem might be. Everything appears to my ear and eye to be ok, yet...

Short of taking it to 'someone that knows' and giving them a blank cheque, I'm somewhat at a loss.

Charles, You are in an unknown position regarding maintenance history of the aircon and when it last worked and whether it even worked effectively. All you know is it worked when the car left the factory and it isn't now.

Before opening up the system it needs to be degassed by an accredited specialist - it is illegal otherwise.

My advice is to have the car degassed and re-gassed by an accredited specialist - not one of those quickfix cowboys.

Any remaining gas in the system will be recovered and the system checked for leaks - the leak test is a legal requirement before refilling with gas. The system will be dried and the correct amount of gas and compressor oil will be added and then the system will work if everything else is ok. If not, you will know it is not an issue with low gas, or that there is a leak in the system, it has to be something else. You will be in a known position to progress further if needed or hopefully enjoy cool motoring.

I have all my cars emptied and refilled every year as part of routine maintenance. My previous V40 that I had for 17 years and covered 370,000mls never had any aircon issues and even the condensor had not rusted through - a common fault due to water collecting in the old refrigerant and rusting out from the inside. We did have to have a new condensor on 'er indoors Mini Cooper due to stone damage, but I have now fitted a stainless steel mesh in front to stop that recurring.

I have used Beecool in Kettering for the last 20 years and never had any issues with them, always top quality work and not expensive compared with the quickfix cowboys. there will be a specialist in the Peterborough area.

Sensible suggestions ITSv40.

I took a look at Becool's website and they certainly seem a good crowd so I'll use them as my benchmark and see what I can turn up - I'll see who I can find that's in my area.

Thx

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that last year I had a leaking evaporator on the V40. I hunted the internet for a new one but the only ones available were for lhd cars which are the opposite hand to the rhd. I had to order from Volvo at a cost of nearly £500. Anyway I spoke to Beecool about fitting and agreed that I would remove the dash and supply the part, they would fit and I would then refit the dash. They were quite content with this arrangement.

It meant me taking the car to them, they removed the gas, I then removed the dash at home and took the car back and they fitted the evaporator and did all the aircon work. I then fitted all the dash back in and took the car back to them to reset the airbag light. A bit of a faff back and forth but saved a day and a half labour costs and I know a bit more about the car as well.

I've got mine booked in for a regas tomorrow morning at the local ATS, normal price is nearly 60 quid, 38 with a Groupon token, plus if they gas it and there's another issue so it won't work then you get a refund.

Sounds like a good deal and assuming they're straight with you, you should know how much you might need to spend if there's any parts requiring replacement.

Of course, they'll no doubt recommend they fit new parts if any are needed - but it could be cheaper for you to DIY after sourcing on here/ebay and then pay again to get a regas check which if it passes means you'd be up'n'running for the rest of summer (oh, I wish that too!!)