aircon

[wellskint]

re 2003 volvo 1,8 s40. went and got the aircon re-gassed and the good news was there were no system leaks. bad news was the pump wasnt working. mechanic suggested as well as replacement pump, could be a wiring issue?
please does anyone have any advice apart from open the windows!! thanks i'm wellskint

[ITSv40]

If you have had the system re-gassed there should be sufficient pressure to operate the pressure switch that activates the electromagnetic clutch to engage the compressor.

Does the clutch engage the compressor when the aircon is switched on? There should be a small clunk/tick sound when it engages. If the clutch is not engaging it could be the gap is too wide and needs a shim taking out to adjust the gap. With the engine running and the aircon switched on the clutch gap can be tested by gently pressing on the centre of the clutch with a wooden broom handle. If it is the clutch gap, the clutch should engage and the aircon work, if not, there is some other fault. Obviously you use the broom handle technique at your own risk.

[wellskint]

thanks ITV very helpful reply as usual. i know nothing about aircon motors - whereabouts is the clutch on the unit please?

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by wellskint

thanks ITV very helpful reply as usual. i know nothing about aircon motors - whereabouts is the clutch on the unit please?

It is the pulley on the end of the compressor that is driven by the belt.

When the aircon is off the pulley is free running without turning the compressor. When the aircon is switched on the clutch within the pulley is pulled towards the compressor and drive is engaged to turn the compressor. If you look at the pulley when the engine is off you will see that the centre can be pressed towards the compressor - there is only a slight movement, but sufficient to engage or disengage depending on whether the aircon is off or on.