Hi guys,

I am having a problem with my AC... it only stays cold for 30 minutes. Then it goes and i get hot air. I checked and its my compressor. It works when I start the car... but then when the hot air starts blowing after 20-30 min... i noticed it is no longer churning. I have checked my lower pipe freon levels they are fine. I had a mechanic try to get the high side but he couldn't open my cap even with a wrench it was too tight. Is it possible just the high side needs freon and that will help the compressor keep churning? Or is the compressor totally shot? I ask because i live in NYC area it has been super hot lately... but at night when it's cool i seem to get a cool amount of air for a longer period of time. Just really hoping it's not a compressor because I am getting quotes near or about $1,000... trying to avoid that cost for a 12 year old car with 155,000 miles... advice appreciated! Thanks guys!!

Best
Pete

 

There is a trick to be done with the compressor, google 'compressor shim'

on the other hand, when the air blows cold and the engine is well warmed up, do you see the radiator fan turning at high speed? I believe if the fan is faulty (common issue), the a/c will stop blowing cold air as it can't evacuate the heat quick enough.

also make sure the thermostat is not stuck, another common issue for those years. check the upper radiator hose 2 minutes after starting the engine from cold, it should not be warm at all.

 

Thanks for your response!

I had this issue a couple years ago and I believe then it was the thermostat being stuck... i remember a friend turned the **** fast to hot, then to cold and the cold started blowing again. But I would assume this is not the problem since I do get cold air for about 20-30 min.

Where can i find the radiator fan? The fan that is behind the glove compartment makes a loud "fan-type" noise at times... here is the thread a few weeks ago i started on that: https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...r-issue-78372/

Not sure those 2 could be related.

I google compressor shim... seems like a complicated process, no?

Thanks!
Pete

 

You need a compressor clutch.

 

The fan behind the glove box is the cabin air fan. It's known to seize. If the noise it's loud it will need replaced.

The radiator fan is located in front of the engine, visible from inside the engine bay towards the front of the car, it has large black blades.

If the **** trick still works, then more probable it needs a new clutch. Some people try putting shims instead (getto fix, without removing the compressor) because removing the A/C compressor is quite expensive. It a relatively easy fix that can be don at home, I think no tools are needed. Check visually the gap at the clutch plate, if it's about 2-3mm then it's probably worn.

 

Hi Guys,

Do either of you have a pic or diagram to point out the radiator?

As I mentioned I notice it gets hot after the compressor stops working and spinning. Is it your belief that the compressor may stop because the radiator is no longer operating? sorry I just need the direction on where exactly to look (not an expert here).

Pete