Hello guys. I have a 2019 xc90 and the past couple weeks the ac is been acting up. First it started to send cold air just in the passenger side. I put some freeon on it and noticed a leak on the low pressure line. It was working good for like 5 days, then I put some more freeon but this time I used some sealant also. Well this got it working for like 2 weeks. I don’t see any more freeon on the line. After that the ac was only working when accelerating or in the highway. Every time it was on idle it wasn’t cooling. Then it was just intermittent not matter if I was on the highway. Now is not cooling at all. Went to a shop and they said that the low pressure was reading too high and the high pressure too low. Recharged the system but no luck. They said I will need a new compressor but I don’t think is the compressor because the problem was getting worse little by little. Anyone experienced anything similar that can send me to right direction before I start putting money on the car. I appreciate any input! Thanks

 

You have a variable displacement compressor. And your symptoms (low/high and high/low pressures) could be caused by a bad compressor valve. Many manufacturers use these valves to reduce the power the compressor needs to operate in some conditions.

I have replaced many bad compressor control valves in earlier Volvos to solve that problem - but have no experience with the new 4 cyl compressors.

Hopefully your "shop" knows of this mysterious variable compressor - if not you might want to find someone more knowledgeable. AND - try not to use refrigerant with any sealant in it - you may cause other problems with your car OR, the ac machine used to evacuate and recharge your system.

Google "volvo compressor valve" for sample pictures



This MIGHT be the correct control valve ---

 

Thanks for your knowledgeable response. I read about that valve been the culprit of the symptoms but didn’t know where was placed. I went to a Sweden mechanic shop but the guy was more like a Saab guy. I got an appointment with the Volvo dealership on Wednesday to get a 2nd opinion. Question, in order to replace that valve I need to vacuum the system first right?

Anyways, I really appreciate your response.

 

The dealer will probably want to replace the compressor if they think the valve is causing a problem.

And yes the system needs to be evacuated (empty) to replace the valve. (and then recharged with the proper volume/weight of freon)

 

Ok so I guess I have to expect a hefty bill if I don’t want to deal with this myself. Thanks again for your feedback, I will keep this post updated after repairs.