Hi all, didn't find similar posts in my initial search hence asking help here: trying to recharge ac since it's not blowing cold enough air, first try with manifold gauge and vacuum to flush out old freon (and found out the system is sealed no leak - good) but system will not take in freon (lowest temp setting and max ac mode). Shut down everything and gave up thinking compressor's out since that's what google said - though compressor was doing fine before this. Second try: system took in freon and low side pressure showed 35 psi when taken in the whole can of 340 grams (the tag says it needs 800 g) so close valves and hook up the 2nd can then open the valves yet the system would not take more in. So its got 340g freon in the system and blow some cold but not cold enough air now. Dont know what happened the system decided to take in freon but then will not take it in all the way...Any thoughts?

 

I understand the method you are using to attempt to recharge (because you think it is low.) - If you connect a hose to the low side of a compressor and open the valve - if the compressor is turning - it will suck in any thing that is there, air, water, freon, methane, pixie dust - whatever is in that hose will be pulled in to the system. Same thing with the discharge side - connect a hose and open it - it will pump whatever is in the system out, and pull a vacuum on the system.

So - unless you have a variable displacement compressor - it will suck in whatever you give it. Not sure about a 2017 - but the earlier 6 cyl Volvos and other brands have variable displacement compressors. Some VWs don't even have a clutch - the compressors are "turned off" by moving the swash plate so the compressor pistons don't move instead of a electric clutch.

Does your compressor have a valve in the side of the compressor such as pictured below? - more than 1 set of wires going to the compressor? If so you have a variable displacement compressor and it is common for the valve to get clogged or go bad. Then the swash plate does not move when it is supposed to and the compressor won't suck or pressurize and - it's not cold in the car!

If using an ac machine - modern ones measure the freon being pulled out. If it had x grams in it you will know is was properly charged and can based your next diagnosis with that information. So if it pulls out close to x grams and you put in x grams freon you will get the same result - no cold air (unless what was in there was contaminated with air - easy for a DIY to make that mistake) Could be a bad displacement valve (if equipped)

 

@hoonk Thanks so much for the prompt reply. I was surprised to find out it has turbo hence it belongs in the first category (2.0L). I'll get to it and check if its got one in the morning!! Thanks.