XC60 AC PROBLEMS

foiler · 2024-10-10T02:44:11+00:00

Hey guys Having issues with AC , iam certainly not a expert but have some knowledge and very keen to learn so have spent last 2 days learning but there few...

TL_V70

Hi Brad, there will probably only be 1 pressure switch as it's a 3 wire. ( it will be a pressure sensor) it's has a variable output not on or off like a switch so it's harder to test you can't just put 12v to it you might blow something up

Not sure on Newer volvo but alot of sensors are 5v operating voltage not 12v.

Now more importantly goes it have refrigerant gas in the A/C system?
You obviously have A/C guages or access to them?

I ask this coz you scanner image says A/C pressure at 626 hPa. I don't know hPa but google tells me that's 9Psi in my world.
If that's reading right the system is empty of gas. It might pay to throw guages back on it and see if there is gas in the system

Let me know what the A/C guages read with the car off but connected to the system
(static system pressure)

I noticed at the start of the thread you said you vacuumed it and tested it and holds pressure, it should hold Vacuum not being funny just trying to help and clarify it has gas in the aircon.

foiler

hey mate

no gas in aircon, i did a vacumn test for leaks and seemed all good , i havent regassed as i had in mind that i would have to replace compressor .

i bridged terminal on sensor lead briefly to see if clutch activated ,the engine seemed to alter revs but clutch didnt engage

thanks

TL_V70

Did you weigh out the gas that was taken out? It's a good way to see leaks or performance issues of A/C eg if its supposed to hold lets say 700g and you removed 300g of gas you knownyou have leak and poor coolingperformance. Its harder to test the system with out gas as its a pressure sensor not a switch you can't just bridge it trust me

The 3 wires on the sensor will be
-A supply voltage anything from 5-12v
-A negative or earth
-A return signal voltage to the A/C controller (this voltage will vary on depending system pressure) most likely 0.5v to whatever the supply voltage is. This is how the controller knows its constantly adjusting pressure of the aircon eg it uses this info for lost of things.

Modern aircon or climate control is a beast sometimes but start fresh regas and see what's its doing electrically and with pressures with A/C guages hooked up before buying a compressor.

foiler

thanks for info ,

iam definatly not a expert at this but trying hard ! lol

i have a video of gauges from a year ago when my wife first started compaining about no AC lol.

iam not sure if this was after regas with Hy chill which does run on lower pressure appartently or before .

Image description

TL_V70

Hi chill from memory is different pressures to R134sla and about 1/3 of the gas. I have no experience with it tho. I have only used R134a throughout my year.

TL_V70

LPG will also work in Aircon.

TL_V70

If you have hi chill available regas as start diagnosis from scratch its your best and possibly cheapest option to diagnose before throwing a compressor at it. Then you can rule out if its electricial or mechanical based fault and proceed forward that way.

TL_V70

https://hychill.com.au/info/chargeweights/volvo

Find your model here and charge accordingly

TL_V70

Also get a thermometer or temp probe or a meat thermometer if you like BBQing like me and put it in the vent to see air temp this will help you see the A/C performance. 10deg C vent temp or less is desirable but don't focus on 10 to hard 13 or down is good. This also aids is diagnosis. There is lots of variables in A/C even thinks like if the heater tap leaks or doesn't close properly.

Start fresh then you have a base line to go forward from.

foiler

roger that i will regas and see if i can get you some numbers to work on

not sure if i get time today but i get back to you

thanks again for all your help

timbo

foiler any reason why you're not just re-gassing with r134? Hychill is probably gonna operate at different pressures, not such a big deal on an older system but could cause issues on these later setups

TL_V70

foiler no dramas at all. We all learn from each other knowledge needs to be shared.

foiler

only as i have some hychill in my garage

yeh i didnt think of the lower pressure could cause issues as ecu or pressure switch as may think pressure too low

foiler

just checked with hychill and there gas is fine to use

jamesinc

@TL_V70 how do I get hold of r134a

TL_V70

Hi James I beleive you will need a business which holds a RTA ( Refrigerant Trading Authorisation ) from ARCTICK. Not a super easy thing that's why Hy Chill exists.

Or unless you know someone who knows someone than can make a bottle disappear of the back of a truck😉

It's all the emissions red tape in Australia that make it hard for an individual to purchase it.

Even I cant buy it as I only Have a Refrigerant Handling Licence as I don't have my own business.

timbo

TL_V70 they track the serial numbers of every single bottle now…plus you also need to account for all the gas you evacuate.

TL_V70

timbo

We are meant to have records of all gas we use and recover but in my 4 years at a Rio Mine site thay have never cared to do it.

It's sad as their a too bigger of fish to deal with from the regulations side so the Gumbyment just harass and fine the small business world as their an easy target. Hence all the tracking and audits they do.

foiler

yeh i just use the hychill i think , i will gas up car soon but just waiting on a temp gauge and some uv dye to get delivered in the day or 2 , thought i would put some dye in just incase i need in the future .