Top of the evening to you guys. I haven't been here in a while. My 2010 S80 3.2 has had a bizarre a/c problem that I can't seem to figure out. On days where the outside temperature is between 70-82°, from a cold start and the a/c on recirc, it takes 3-4 minutes before the cold air comes out. Then it usually works great the rest of the day. However, when the temperature is 82-90°+, the a/c feels like it's set right in the middle between cold and warm on the dial. It just doesn't get cold. It's cooler than not having it on however. I've had the system professionally evac'd and filled twice. Each time the a/c is ice-cold for a day or two before the same pattern repeats. Upon each evac the shop said the car had the appropriate amount of R-134 in the system, so it's not leaking. Is there anything I can look for before I start dropping $$$ into it just guessing? I heard something about a valve in the compressor, but can't find anything online about it. Any help would be totally appreciated. My 8yr old used to love my car lol thanks.

 

You have a variable displacement compressor, and yes there is a valve that goes bad/gets clogged. Google "Volvo ac displacement valve". Have replaced many to cure the "not cold" or " takes a long time to get cold but only seems to work on cool days"

I have found stuff clogging the valves also during replacement. Meaning whatever clogged it may happen again. Many shops/dealers will only replace the compressor, but I have had 100% success with valve replacement. The system will have to be emptied of refrigerant to replace the valve.

 

Hoonk it worked! Changed the valve after evac, then filled. It's frosty cold now going on 4 days. Thanks for the tip, appreciate it!