IOException
Hi
Yesterday aircon failed. No cold air. A mechanic diagnosed compressor is broken and quoted me over $2k for replacing.
It is really suspicious that my compressor failed after 80kkm mileage. Do you know how can I check what actually failed? Maybe there is no gas only and all I need to do is re-gas and seal?
Thank you for suggestions.
Ex850R
Probably the clutch assembly on it and yes, they do fail.
Used ones are hard to come by.
Try USA sites for the part but talk to Mark at Berry motor group. He will have a price.
VolvoDeger
I have done a few of these so what area you in as can supply parts, or look at it for you if lucky maybe just the valve.
cheers steve
Masons Prestige Volvo 97863591
timbo
Pretty common I do A/C regas for the local Volvo dealer have about one a week coming in. You could try a suction control valve but by the time you pay to have it fitted and regassed it's not much cheaper than a new compressor
carnut222
Second opinion from another independent mechanic if you are not sure. If you are mechanically-inclined, it is easy to determine whether there is gas in the system by checking the pressure switch. If no gas, pressure switch will show open circuit on most car A/C systems. I am not 100% familiar with the model you have.
If no gas, it could be stone damage causing leak at condenser out in front of radiator. I had this happen on my C30. There is a large opening in the bumper below the grille, and this offers no protection against stone damage. Something to look at if you discover no gas in system.
IOException
I am a bit confused.
After regas AC didn't work.
Many of you suggest checking the suction control valve. Are you sure this part is inside my AC compressor?
My mechanic said compressor in my volvo is driven by an external electromag clutch and the clutch is a problem probably.
Do you have any tech documentation to help me understand how my compressor works?
Ex850R
As I said above, you need new compressor. They should never have regassed it as it's a known problem and they should have checked the compressor was in serviceable condition.
Go to a proper tech. Yours sounds useless...
Get your money back as well....
Go to Berry's or local volvo independent shop.
You will have trouble finding a used one. No point replacing the clutch, it costs too much.
Get a unit from FCP Euro.
jamesinc
@IOException if your mechanic says it's the clutch then that's probably the place I'd start looking. It's easy enough to check, you can just send 12V directly to the clutch engagement wire on the compressor and if the centre of the clutch starts spinning with the belt then the clutch is working, otherwise it's failed.
IOException
Of course that was the very first test and its spinning fast in that configuration. But It doesn't rotate with the same speed (very lazy movement) when working normally. I will try to record it actually with my video camera.
jamesinc
Well that does sound like a slipping clutch. Odd that you are not seeing it when testing the clutch directly though. Are you able to compare the voltage drop between the clutch engage wire and ground vs your test point and ground? Maybe there's a small difference and combined with a worn clutch, that is enough.
IOException
@jamesinc
Here's 8s of recording.
When I put voltage from a car battery compressor spun so fast. Afete regas as you can see in the movie above.
jamesinc
Yeah that clutch looks worn out, or maybe needs to be shimmed. I'm not sure as I'm not familiar with those compressors.
You can buy the clutch assembly separately.
Ex850R
jamesinc;c-157447 wroteYeah that clutch looks worn out, or maybe needs to be shimmed. I'm not sure as I'm not familiar with those compressors.
You can buy the clutch assembly separately.
It's has been said to me that replacing the clutch to be not cost effective as part cost is such that a new one is more cost effective.
Recommended that new compressor is bought or a good used one.
I've been looking for used one but they are snapped up quickly.
I may get a new one yet...
https://www.ebay.com/p/for-2011-2016-VOLVO-S60-A-c-Compressor-DENSO-49931BX-2012-2013-2014-2015/7028621898
IOException
Update:
After replacing compressor (new original) air-con works. Unfortunately I can hear some noise when A/C is on:
Sth like but not that loud.
After quick research I found that is the root cause might be:
1. Unprofessional re-gas has been done.
2. Issue with the thermal expansion valve.
Any suggestions?
jamesinc
I have had compressors that make noise when the gas pressure is low. Another AC tech would be able to hook his tester up to it and check the pressures with minimal effort and without needing to flush the system or anything like that, so I'd say that's the sensible starting point.
timbo
IOException;c-158677 wroteUpdate:
After replacing compressor (new original) air-con works. Unfortunately I can hear some noise when A/C is on:
Sth like but not that loud.
After quick research I found that is the root cause might be:
1. Unprofessional re-gas has been done.
2. Issue with the thermal expansion valve.
Any suggestions?
Is the noise isolated to the interior? It kinda sounds like the extra load from the a/c compressor is making the drive belt noisy.
Park the car, leave the engine running and the a/c switched on, pop the bonnet and take another video from the engine bay