V70 Air Conditioning - How Often Does It Need Rechargin...

Pleased to say that after writing to the Director of the dealership in Perth and contacting Volvo UK, I received a refund this morning for the full cost of the recharge, £94 inc. VAT.

I also received a written apology, which included the recommendation that I run the system regularly to keep the seals lubricated.

Thanks for all the advice.

[Simon Linton]

When I bought my first a/c-equipped Volvo the dealer said that I should use the a/c on a regular basis to keep it operating; this is something that all dealers and indeed private sellers should stress unasked.

If you're helping out a new buyer of the marque see if the seller does do this - it's a good indication of their regard for the potential buyer, since the a/c is such a problem area if it's neglected.

if of interest, I think i am right in saying that the pressure within the a/c system at rest (ie, not turned on) is far greater than when the system is running, and as R134a has far smaller molecules than the older (better, but less environmentally friendly) R12, it will naturally leak (through rubber components - have you ever tried putting R134a into a non-modified R12 system full of rubber hoses?1?) so running the system is the best policy.

But does everyone just use the a/c for cold air? It can 'do' hot as well...............

forgive my ignorance, but could you explain how is it that the system pressure is far greater with the system not running? ie compressor off line,is it not the case that the point at which the refrigerant is at its maximum pressure is on the high pressure side of the system with compressor running, between the compressor outlet and the expansion valve/orifice tube prior to the pressure drop taking place across the expansion valve /evaporator or as usual am i missing something!