General: 2007 C70 Air Conditioning system cycles frequently

[akeyzoo]

Folks,
Purchased a used (2007) C70, T5 with 6 speed manual. ~35,000 miles. This car replaced a 1999 C70 I had previously....

One concern I have with the car since purchasing it, is that I feel the AC compressor cycles much more frequently then I would expect is efficient so I suspect something might be wrong. The AC gets cold (though not especially cold, takes a upwards of 5 miles on a hot day to really begin bringing down the cabin temp). I would say the compressor cycles about every 30 seconds or so. Coincidentally with the compressor that you can hear under the hood, there is something clicking near or around the dash waterfall in the car.

this behavior normal? If it isn't, what do folks suspect? I could take it to a shop (or dealer), but love diagnosing and fixing stuff like this myself. I have a CAN capable code reader if that can help here.

Thanks again, Chris

[SonyVaio]

Chris, every 30 seconds or so sounds like it is perfectly normal.

If it is not getting cold enough you may benifit from a regas but it all sounds okay.

[akeyzoo]

Thanks SonyVaio. If I have the coolant topped off any reason I can't have the local garage do it, or do ya'll recommend the dealer (far away and expensive)?

Chris

[SonyVaio]

Originally Posted by akeyzoo

Thanks SonyVaio. If I have the coolant topped off any reason I can't have the local garage do it, or do ya'll recommend the dealer (far away and expensive)?

Chris

Hi Chris,

The only thing you would have to ensure is they use the correct type of coolant (HOAT or OAT). Not all coolants can be mixed!!

Volvo coolant from over the counter is considered the best in the business, this should be used at a dilution of 50:50 with preferably distilled water.

Where is Hollister? Here you can get 4 or 5 litres straight from Volvo Dealer for approx. £10 so not really expensive at all.

LINKY! worth a quick read about coolant

[Welton]

When he said 'coolant' I think he meant the refrigerant gas 'topping up'.

They don't 'top up' as such rather the whole system is emptied, tested and refilled - this in itself is not too expensive (around £45.00) but if there's a leak on the condenser radiator behind the front grille it can be costly (£350.00 ish).

The best test you can do yourself is set the controls to 'LO' and measure the temperature of the air coming out of the central face vents - it should be between 5 and 8 deg.C if it takes ages to get down to about 10 and no lower then it's struggling and needs attention.

On hot days a compressor can cycle on/off quiet regularly even with short 'off' periods of 10 seconds or so but should settle into longer cycles as the system copes with the cabin temp. My system is performing well and I'd say 30-second gaps is about right to be fair.

[akeyzoo]

Thanks Welton, you were right, refrigerant.

[SonyVaio]

Originally Posted by Welton

When he said 'coolant' I think he meant the refrigerant gas 'topping up'.

Originally Posted by akeyzoo

Thanks Welton, you were right, refrigerant.

DOH! - Sorry about that one. However! It is always good to know if you are thinking of doing a coolant change anyway.