The a/c on my 855 is not blowing as cold as it should be, although it is "cool". It also seems to be switching on and off quite a lot at a short interval, which can be heard only with the radio off but can also be "seen" by the fluctuation on my turbo gauge.

I'm going to mention it when I take it in for service next week, but wanted to see if anyone had any ideas of what these symptoms indicate. I know it's only a matter of time before the a/c condensor goes in these cars, but I'm not sure if that's what this is since I'm still getting cooler air than I do with a/c off.

 

Freon level is low.

 

If you want a quick fix, go to an autoparts store or wal-mart and purchase one of those R-134a kits. Depending on the size of the leak, that should hold you over for a few weeks or month or so. When I took it to the dealer all they did was put some dye in the coolant and tell me to come back. Cost around $150. They sell 134a dye kits for <$10 at wal-mart or autozone.

From the little I know about volvo's past history regarding a/c, it's most likely the evaporator (expensive repair, upwards of $1,500) or the receiver/drier ($500 or so) if you have it done.

I own a 95 850 and what I did for the first couple years that this problem was going on is just throw more coolant in during the summer months, maybe a can a month. That held it off for a few years. It looks like the receiver/drier is busted on mine (HOPEFULLY that's the extent of it) so I'm trying to figure out how to replace that.

 

Doesn't freon just have to be re-filled (re-charged) eventually? Just because the level is low, does this mean I definitely have a leak?

 

When was the last time it was charged?


They say an Average loss for freon is about 1/4 to 1/2 a LB a year and no leaks.

But usually there is a leak somewhere.