Air conditioing again!!

RPB · Aug 22nd, 2015, 22:32

Today's heat has revealed weaknesses in the my air conditioning again. It took about 25 minutes to reach cool through all front vents and after a while it did become quite cold, but not what I would consider to be working well. I've also noticed that drivers side isn't as cool as the passenger vents at least to start with, and I get occasional light misting/condensation on the windscreen on the drivers side alone.
I've had the refrigerant replaced twice in the past year, I've had a dye test with no obvious hole seen.

I'm assuming there's a condensor leak and the receiver drier is saturated, any have any other thoughts?

The Thong · Aug 23rd, 2015, 11:29

You'll find it is the condenser, they all suffer from it.

TT

paddyred · Aug 23rd, 2015, 11:35

+1 for condenser. I replaced mine with one of the £60 ones off e-bay after being quoted a ridiculous amount by Volvo. Build quality seems on par if not better than Volvo. 2 years down the line and no issues as of yet!

RPB · Aug 25th, 2015, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyred

+1 for condenser. I replaced mine with one of the £60 ones off e-bay after being quoted a ridiculous amount by Volvo. Build quality seems on par if not better than Volvo. 2 years down the line and no issues as of yet!

I've been looking for some rads online - seems the D5/T5/2.4 gets a different one to the other PSA/Ford engined models. There's a place in Newcastle which seems to have them for sale whcih are aftermarket. Does anyone have a Vovlo part number for comparison?

The vids online for a rad change seem straight forward although I'm not particularly used to working on cars beyond tyres - how did you find changing the rad yourself?

cheshired5 · Aug 25th, 2015, 09:46

Is your ac clutch engaging as expected?

RPB · Aug 25th, 2015, 09:49

I think so, I am certainly getting some cooling effect although I haven't listened intently for the click as it engages

cheshired5 · Aug 25th, 2015, 10:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPB

I think so, I am certainly getting some cooling effect although I haven't listened intently for the click as it engages

I would be looking intently.

paddyred · Aug 25th, 2015, 13:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPB

I've been looking for some rads online - seems the D5/T5/2.4 gets a different one to the other PSA/Ford engined models. There's a place in Newcastle which seems to have them for sale whcih are aftermarket. Does anyone have a Vovlo part number for comparison?

The vids online for a rad change seem straight forward although I'm not particularly used to working on cars beyond tyres - how did you find changing the rad yourself?

Sorry I forgot to mention, I didn't charge the system myself. There's no chance in correctly filling the air-con system with an off the shelf charging kit. You might be able to get the pressure but you may not have the correct amount of oil etc. I paid £30 odd quid to get a garage to charge the system and leak check for me as the computerized fillers automatically leak check.
A said, check the pump to ensure it engages. slight click and usually a small drop in engine rpm for a second or two. In saying that, if the system is leaking a small amount as mine was it may engage but just have poor performance. Mine went from full to completely dead in roughly 2-3 months.

RPB · Sep 1st, 2015, 14:51

Wasn't going to recharge it myself. Did you replace the receiver/drier at the sand time as the condensor?

Aug 22nd, 2015, 22:32	#1
RPB Member Last Online: Jun 13th, 2024 19:18 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorkshire	Air conditioing again!! Today's heat has revealed weaknesses in the my air conditioning again. It took about 25 minutes to reach cool through all front vents and after a while it did become quite cold, but not what I would consider to be working well. I've also noticed that drivers side isn't as cool as the passenger vents at least to start with, and I get occasional light misting/condensation on the windscreen on the drivers side alone. I've had the refrigerant replaced twice in the past year, I've had a dye test with no obvious hole seen. I'm assuming there's a condensor leak and the receiver drier is saturated, any have any other thoughts?

Aug 23rd, 2015, 11:29	#2
The Thong VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 14:14 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: The Independent Republic of Leamington Spa	You'll find it is the condenser, they all suffer from it. TT __________________ Never underestimate the power of stupid. It’ can’t be reasoned or negotiated with and you’ll never never beat it…. Cut your losses, smile and walk away Currently Volvoless but Thong will be back

Aug 23rd, 2015, 11:35	#3
paddyred Master Member Last Online: Jul 31st, 2021 13:08 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Exeter	+1 for condenser. I replaced mine with one of the £60 ones off e-bay after being quoted a ridiculous amount by Volvo. Build quality seems on par if not better than Volvo. 2 years down the line and no issues as of yet! __________________ Wax On Wax Off!

Aug 25th, 2015, 09:46	#5
cheshired5 Premier Member Last Online: Dec 26th, 2021 13:42 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Crewe	Is your ac clutch engaging as expected? __________________ 2002 S60 SE D5 Manual 209000 miles

Aug 25th, 2015, 09:49	#6
RPB Member Last Online: Jun 13th, 2024 19:18 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorkshire	I think so, I am certainly getting some cooling effect although I haven't listened intently for the click as it engages

Sep 1st, 2015, 14:51	#9
RPB Member Last Online: Jun 13th, 2024 19:18 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North Yorkshire	Wasn't going to recharge it myself. Did you replace the receiver/drier at the sand time as the condensor?

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