AC problem - Stops working after awhile

[eitankon]

Hello all,

It is relatively hot in Israel. About 38-40 degrees.

In the last few days , my AC stops working.
1. Air becomes hot.
2. I can hear that the AC compressor does not engaged.
3. It can happen after 1 hour driving , and also after 10 minutes.
4. When it happens , I close the AC for about 2-3 minutes , and it gets back to work.
5. When AC is working , it is working well , and cold.

After it started , I added another 200gr of gas that was missing to have exactly 1000gr.

What can be the reason ?

Appreciate all of your kind assistance.

Eitan

[Aviator]

Your AC compressor is failing/has failed. The clutches wear out after a while and won't stay locked due to excess heat. Replace the compressor. DON'T attempt to replace just the clutch.....you'll be replacing the compressor in a couple of months, and Volvo won't give you any warranty on the new clutch.

Dave.

[eitankon]

Your AC compressor is failing/has failed. The clutches wear out after a while and won't stay locked due to excess heat. Replace the compressor. DON'T attempt to replace just the clutch.....you'll be replacing the compressor in a couple of months, and Volvo won't give you any warranty on the new clutch.

Dave.

Tnx Dave,
So 250,000 km in a hot place is enough for it...

I shall ask my friend to replace it.

Best wishes.
Eitan

[WillyB]

Or, you could try what was done in this thread by many owners http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showth...-while-driving If this paste of a thread does not work, then search for "a/c shim".

[Astro14]

I think I would try that first as well. If it fails, it has cost you nothing. If it works, it has deferred the expense. There is only reward, no real risk...

[WillyB]

I looked at the clutch but the space is too cramped to get the camera into the space to take the picture eventhough it was a very thin camera. The procedure isn't complicated and it becomes evident where to place the three shims once you energize the clutch by touching the battery + to the clutch wire with a jumper wire. That's the wire mounted on the side of the compressor. You must disconnect it. This is done with the car OFF. Here is a URL to the procedure. http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic...lutch-gap-fix/ There is a photo included on the post but I'm not a member of that site. If someone on our forum is a member of Volvospeed, maybe they can copy it and post it here.
Good luck and keep us informed. It's always nice to pay it forward as many members have done here.
Fred