2002 S60 and Austin, TX heat are not mixing well right now. The AC is barely blowing cool, let alone cold. I had the system serviced last year for a broken refrigerant line and even after that it didn't blow very cold. I've checked the pressure and it looks fine. Does the AC on this car just suck? My old 740 had a similar affliction, but I assumed that 13 years later they would have figured it out.

 

The S60 usually works pretty well. Did they replace the dryer when they replaced the line?
Is it low on freon again?

 

I haven't checked the freon level this summer, so it's possible that it's low. And no, they didn't replace the dryer...should I have it checked out?

 

Any time the system is opened the dryer should be replaced. But check the freon level first.

 

+1

If they did not replace the dryer, that is your issue. I would do what tech said and check the freon level first but more then likely, you will need to have the dryer replaced.

 

One other thing I noticed yesterday while I was driving it...the temperature and air volume coming out of the vents is not the same. The leftmost vent is low in volume and always blows hot, the next to the right (right driver side vent) is higher volume but not much cooler, the third is high volume and cold, and the fourth is a little lower volume and a little warmer than the third. Does that mean anything to anyone?

 

It could be the evaporator. Mine went bad and you have to remove the entire dash to replace. Total repair bill came to $1300 USD. :O

 

sweet! I just happen to have $1300 in my pocket. I was going to use it as kindle in my bbq tonight, but this is a much better use!

 

anyone have any idea why the temperature and volume coming out of each vent would be so drastically different? The third vent is very cold and blows hard, but the first literally feels like I have the heater on.

 

Freon level being low can cause that. Also the damper motors might need to be recalibrated.

 

Ok, next question. How do I get to the low pressure line? I found it underneath the coolant reservoir, but I can't seem to figure out how to get the gauge down in there. What's the trick?

 

Unhook the power steering bottle and fold it to the top of the motor and then you can get to it.

 

Got it. 40psi. Definitely not a freon problem. Think my next step is to replace the dryer? Is that something I can test and then replace myself?

 

Having 40 PSI does not mean the system is full. You can have 40 PSI and still be low on freon.

 

I've always thought that the 30-50 range was normal, so 40psi seemed fine. At that level it definitely doesn't seem like it should be blowing hot air on me. What psi should I be looking for?

 

mine does somewhat the same thing, it blows hot cold hot cold kind of... it is strange...also randomly when my car is off the blower will turn on, and i cant figure out what that is.. so far it hasnt been that big of a deal because i always realize it when i walk by my car, but i hope that it doesnt kill my battery and leave me stranded one day...does anyone know what might cause that tahnk you

 

afterblow function, cools inside, kills mildew, perfectly normal.

 

Well 40 PSI is the range you need. But you can have 40 PSI and still be low on freon.
You need to make sure it is filled to the proper level. That is why I do not recommend just using cans. I have heard of some A/C specialty shops charging like only $80.00 for an evac and recharge on cars.