2009 Volvo S40 - AC Problems after Fender Bender
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2009 Volvo S40 - AC Problems after Fender Bender
Hello everyone,
Recently I rear ended someone, causing no damage to their car and very minimal bumper damage to mine. I was not moving very fast, however, it did cause a significant jolt. Nothing else appeared to be wrong, however, about a week later I started noticing my AC blowing warm air while driving. Upon further testing I noticed that the AC works completely fine while idling, but begins blowing warm air after driving for a while, and even produces some condensation in the vents. I plan on taking it to a local garage to have it checked out/fixed, however, I would like to get an idea of what the issue may be before I do that. If anyone has had a similar experience or knows what the problem may be, please let me know. Thanks guys!
Recently I rear ended someone, causing no damage to their car and very minimal bumper damage to mine. I was not moving very fast, however, it did cause a significant jolt. Nothing else appeared to be wrong, however, about a week later I started noticing my AC blowing warm air while driving. Upon further testing I noticed that the AC works completely fine while idling, but begins blowing warm air after driving for a while, and even produces some condensation in the vents. I plan on taking it to a local garage to have it checked out/fixed, however, I would like to get an idea of what the issue may be before I do that. If anyone has had a similar experience or knows what the problem may be, please let me know. Thanks guys!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,372
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From: Mesa, AZ
The most common problem that causes the symptoms you are seeing is wear to the A/C compressor clutch. It's an electromagnetic clutch, and once the clutch material wears enough, it increases the gap beyond that which the electromagnet can close.
If this is the case, you can verify it by waiting for the A/C to quit (usually after the car / engine compartment warms up). Leave the A/C on full cold, and verify that the clutch isn't engaged (the "nose" of the pulley will be stationary). Then CAREFULLY tap the center of the pulley with something (broomstick, for example) and if that "bumps it into action", you will know that's your problem.
The solution is one of a few things (depending on your DIY skills and budget)
1) New compressor (the most expensive, and most likely unnecessary)
2) New compressor clutch (a medium job, but a lot less money and disruption). Check the details before taking my word for this though (your car might be different than my previous Volvos)
3) Shimming the clutch - this is done with some zip ties or wire, slightly decreasing the "gap", allowing the clutch to work again. I did this to my V70, which was a LOT harder to get to than my V50 (which should be similar to your car).
Low gas levels in the system might also cause a similar symptom, and is corrected by adding gas (whether DIY or at an A/C shop). Lots of online resources on how to do that, so search away! ;-)
If this is the case, you can verify it by waiting for the A/C to quit (usually after the car / engine compartment warms up). Leave the A/C on full cold, and verify that the clutch isn't engaged (the "nose" of the pulley will be stationary). Then CAREFULLY tap the center of the pulley with something (broomstick, for example) and if that "bumps it into action", you will know that's your problem.
The solution is one of a few things (depending on your DIY skills and budget)
1) New compressor (the most expensive, and most likely unnecessary)
2) New compressor clutch (a medium job, but a lot less money and disruption). Check the details before taking my word for this though (your car might be different than my previous Volvos)
3) Shimming the clutch - this is done with some zip ties or wire, slightly decreasing the "gap", allowing the clutch to work again. I did this to my V70, which was a LOT harder to get to than my V50 (which should be similar to your car).
Low gas levels in the system might also cause a similar symptom, and is corrected by adding gas (whether DIY or at an A/C shop). Lots of online resources on how to do that, so search away! ;-)
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