Hello Volvo experts,
I have a volvo s70 1998 Non-turbo model. I wonder if anyone could help me to figure out following problem.

AC is not working all the sudden - It worked couple of weeks ago.

So, I did the following test.

First, I check the AC pressure(where the cap says "Max 6 N.m) by pressing the the AC valve.
Result: I got high pressure gas and yellow liquid on the cloth.

Secondly, I turn on the AC and checked if the compressor is working. Here, I noticed an interested behavior.
The compressor is turning on for 1 sec and truned-off suddenly. This happening again and again with quite loud "click/tick" noice until I turned off the AC.

I'm planing to buy a OBD-II reader to see if that help. But, it would be greatly appreciated if anyone could pin point the problem for me. Many thanks.

KB

 

The compressor clicking means the system is low on freon.

The yellow liquid is most likely Dye.You should be able to look over the system with a blacklight and yellow glasses and find the leak.

The scanner will not help you. Not for the A/C problem but are good to have for Check Engine lights.

 

I ran the engine with AC on as per refill can instructions for 3 mins and then checked pressure, but when I get a click from the compressor every 1-2 secs (Im assuming when it turns off) my psi jumps from 20 to about 45 and I got some blowback on the can, is this normal? Do I continue to add r134a until the minimum is up to 25- 35 psi (at AMB temp of 65F)?

 

Sounds like it is still low.

 

Yes...you're still low. 35-45 PSI is with the compressor running. When the compressor turns off, the pressure WILL go up- it's supposed to. Now... once you get it working, you need to find the leak- Refrigerant isn't supposed to just "go away." If it's low, there's a leak. Like Tech said, it sounds like there's already leak detector dye in the system. Most parts stores have the blacklights and yellow glasses- stay away from the penlight type lights they have, they're not worth a darn- and check all the lines and parts of the A/C under the hood, paying special attention to fittings and connections. Leaks will show up bright green- test it on the dye that leaked out around the charging port to see what it looks like. If you don't find the leak with the light, you may have a leaking evaporator, which is a fairly common problem on these cars- it's the part of the A/C that's inside the dash, and in order to replace it,the dash has to come out Good Luck!

 

When you have the yellow glasses on and the black light on, the leak will show up like finger prints on parts. Spotty areas. When was the last time it was serviced by a professional?

 

+1, you may need to just take the car to a shop and have them fix the issue.

 

TY for all the tips guys, I dont know when it was serviced last, I just bought the car 4 days ago and its my first Volvo, I do have a 60 day warranty though, and I gotta take it back cause the horn is super quiet, so I will ask them bout the A/C issue.

 

The horn issue is likely a small one. The horns have a small nut on the end of them that adjust the volume of them. You just tighen or loosen it to get the sound you want.