i just tried charging the ac system on my 94 850.
I know its a long shot when the system isnt kept up...but my 06 scion needed a fresh charge so I figured Id buy a recharge kit and if the volvo didnt work Id use the rest on the scion.

when the gauge on the recharge kit got to full, the AC compressor clutch kicked on...but only for a few seconds and then off....for a few seconds and then on again. cycling. I thought maybe it had to "prime" itself or something like that. So I let it do its thing in the driveway for a couple of minutes, and then took it around the block. Still no cold air. When I got back home, the clutch is still cycling on and off.

is there any special thing one has to do to recharge the volvo ac system? Or is my compressor shot?

 

Not sure. I had my mechanic charge my AC recently and he said he just charged it and the compressor and fan started cycling, then I had ice cold air.

Maybe there was something else he did but didn't bother to tell me, but it certainly didn't seem that way.

 

A compressor that cycles quickly like that usually means the refrigerant is low.

Those cans aren't the best way to go. There is a reason shops use specialized equipment to service A/C systems.

 

true, but I dont have $$$ to take to a shop. Especially since I have no idea how long its been since it has been out of coolant.

I did see the gauge on the can drops when the clutch engages, and then returns when the clutch lets go. I wonder if its still not getting refriderant to the compressor? I know it goes in the low pressure side, but is there a way to bleed out or help prime the system? If my clutch is good, I dont wanna burn it out trying to get the ac going. Its a $800 car, not gonna put alot of cash into it.

 

get yourself a $45 set of harbor freight gauges you be able to see your propper psi.

You low on freon.

our system hols 26.something ounces of freon and one of the small recharge cans are only 12 oz. you need more

 

How many oz did you put in?