Groaning when AC is switched on

[bananarama]

I've just had mine recharged, they removed 585g and 11g of refrigerant and oil, and topped it up with 820g and 20g. I don't think it's noticeably colder but it is definitely QUIETER!!!! No more groaning

It's bit odd that graphnic had his topped up with 720g, I hope there hasn't been a cockup...

[apersson850]

Originally Posted by graphnic

I assume that showed up in the pressure test?

No, not at all. A pressure test is if not "for amateurs" so at least just an initial check. Mine was still cooling seemingly normally, but there was a very small leak on the condenser. The pressure would not fall in a day, but it did in months.

What's called "regassing" is never needed. Either the system is tight, and then it doesn't leak. Or it's not tight, and then it needs a repair before you fill it again.
But topping up is never needed.

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by bananarama

I've just had mine recharged, they removed 585g and 11g of refrigerant and oil, and topped it up with 820g and 20g. I don't think it's noticeably colder but it is definitely QUIETER!!!! No more groaning

It's bit odd that graphnic had his topped up with 720g, I hope there hasn't been a cockup...

Well I'm glad your issue is resolved... most of my noise is also gone. As for the fill volume, it was listed on the sticker under the bonnet above the radiator. From memory it 760g, but def. 7 hundred and something. Maybe a different model year? Mine is a 2013 on a D3 engine.

[graphnic]

Originally Posted by apersson850

No, not at all. A pressure test is if not "for amateurs" so at least just an initial check. Mine was still cooling seemingly normally, but there was a very small leak on the condenser. The pressure would not fall in a day, but it did in months.

What's called "regassing" is never needed. Either the system is tight, and then it doesn't leak. Or it's not tight, and then it needs a repair before you fill it again.
But topping up is never needed.

Mine passed the various 'pressure test' cycles on the machine, but there must be a tolerance after which a leak isn't detectable in such a short space of time. I'll see how it goes, the noise has gone - for now. The previous owner had the compressor changed, so I don't know if the correct volume was filled at that point.

[bananarama]

Originally Posted by graphnic

Well I'm glad your issue is resolved... most of my noise is also gone. As for the fill volume, it was listed on the sticker under the bonnet above the radiator. From memory it 760g, but def. 7 hundred and something. Maybe a different model year? Mine is a 2013 on a D3 engine.

AH! I didn't realise there was a sticker. My V70 is a 2011 D3 and the sticker says 820g, and something about Pagid oil. Excellent, good to know!

[Dazza95]

Originally Posted by Dazza95

The issue has been diagnosed and Volvo want three DAYS to sort it. Unfortunately, my partner didn’t get any paperwork so all I’ve got is that it’s “some sort of motor under the dash”.

Just to update this. The issue was found to be the compressor. The dealer re-gassed the system and found the compressor became very noisy after 20 minutes. Compressor replaced under Selekt warranty and all is now well.

[jogusk]

Are you sure it is not the enginefan? Mine was low on refrigerant, and it was the fan making the noise whenac was on, after about 10 mins of driving. I replaced the condenser and put refrigerant, and it disappeared. Im not a technician, but that solved it for me. So it probably had to do with cooling of the engine as well as low on gas.

[jogusk]

The condenser is infront of the radiator for the engine. If is slightly damaged (bent metal) it will restrict airflow for the radiator, and this will start the fan. And if it is 15 years old like mine, im sure the wheelbearings on the fan can be heard when it switches on.....

[SWH]

Mine done for the first time since new at 2013. 520g removed. Engine is quieter, dont feel any difference in temp but doesn't feel it's as working as hard. Biggest difference is fuel economy - seems to have improved quite a bit. Well worth doing for me.

[shuby]

I guess there is technical journal for this noise. There has been a new type of hose introduced sometime in 2014 that is supposed to fix that problem.

https://www.tsbsearch.com/Volvo/TJ-29474