Knackered AC compressor and the leaky radiator are being changed this weekend. Not sure how big a task it'll be yet.

I figure if the rad and other front assembly is out, I might have decent access to the AC compressor. Not sure if there is clearance to remove it without the subframe moving too, but hoping it's designed to come out without anything so drastic, and other than the belt and a few bolts is a plug 'n' play thing..

Allocating the whole day, just in case.

I'll also try to track down the vac leak, can't for the life of me work out where that is coming from though, and access to the turbo is a total shit.



Did you get to a station to vacuum out the ac system?
ya mon

i also have to replace the pressure switch thingo (got one in stock)
AC compressor in and rad changed without any problem, other than I had to go and buy a smaller breaker bar to get on the belt tensioner.

The AC compressor would be a pain if you didn’t also want to pull out the whole front end to do the radiator anyway!

Also fixed the larger vac leak I was hearing. It still seems to dump a lot of pressure a bit louder than I’d expect when coming off boost, so must be something turbo side - or these motors just do that?

As they say 'when in rome'
5 days later
and now we have AC again..! It's only been broken since I did the very first fuel pump job.. in March.

March 2017.

We're off for a road trip and holiday in Byron in Nov, so it'll probably be useful!

7 days later
finally got an alignment done.. here are some figures that don't mean as much to me as I'd like:


Your front tyres hopefully will not wear the outsides as much now.
Yes, hopefully – I doubt they could wear much more than they were!

4 days later
Finally got light to the LEDs in the replaced cluster. We don’t drive much at night so it took ages to realise and didn’t really matter - who needs to be able to see what speed they’re going?

Anyway.. done!



With help from this thread (in Norwegian)

20 days later
The 90's odometer ticked past 250,000km on the way back from our family camping trip up to Byron.

The old barge took it all in its stride, with nice cold AC, comfort for 5, loads of gear hauled, and returning 11 L/100km over the almost 2000km round trip.

Proud of my machine!
Just want to thank Pastry, and everyone else, for their contributions in this thread, because I recently bought a bargain priced XC90 2.5T (268k, just run in) in Brisvagas with eyes wide shut to replace my much older nd dead 850V 2.5.

The seller was up front about the front control arm bushings and transmission issues, complete with warnings. Seller had replaced the accessible ATF, but not a complete flush. He suggested to replace the transmission control module, software update. Interior very clean and in good condition.

The test drive highlighted to me front bushings first, transmission second. All servicing docs reviewed, showing a transmission flush fairly early in its life. Rego ran out in 48 hours, seller desperate, so bought for $1450!

Over the pits, two new front control arms, two new front tyres (just a tiny oil drip from the turbo) and a wheel alignment, passed rego, drive back to the Gold Coast. Runs smoothly, clunks over bumps from worn front struts pads.

Over the course acquainted myself, mainly courtesy of this forum, on XC90 issues, particularly the transmission. So decided on a full AT flush as part of its first service (fluids, filters etc). And to 'retrain' my control module instead if replacement. Codes cleared. Transmission low down gear changes smooth.

Move forward a month, to now replace front strut top pads, replace all engine mount bushes, replace cabin pollen air filter, and on checking the radiator coolant, a touch of pink ATF not present a day or so before. New radiator, and another ATF and radiator coolant flush, hold the bushes and air filter. Running very very well. Less than 11L /100k fuel hwy cycle.

Next to do are the engine mounts and air filter as previously planned. Will take a look at the B4 solenoid cover per the advice herein. All said, very very happy with the buy. I will update on anything major if that happens.
Cheers @djwillcox – good to hear that others are saving and using otherwise crusher-destined XC90s, and glad my documented experiences here help that happen!

9 months later

A short update, latest service 292k, replaced aircon compressor and serpentine belt. Engine mount bushes replaced. Transmission flush. Replaced cabin pollen air filter. The car is purring, better than 9l/100k highway cycle. Next will be two new rear tires. 🙂

2 months later

Short update for me –

Sounds as if the AC compressor is dead again.

Perhaps mentioned that i'd swapped out for a used spare and had it regassed last year. Also changed the pressure switch (and radiator) at the same time. After a couple of months it ceased blowing cold air, thought perhaps the shop had failed to check for leaks effectively.

Took it for a look yesterday (hey, just in time for summer - again!) and they reckon the compressor won't fire even when directly powered, but suggested taking it to an auto elec to be sure before changing it out.

Read a bit about modules etc which sounds painful.

@paul0075 @Philia_Bear do either of you have a spare used compressor in your stores?

Should be about 400 for a low mileage one from a wrecker.

can probably buy a whole XC90 for that much though :P

Dont waste money on 2nd hand compressors get me the pert number and i can get you a new aftermarket one for under $600
    timbo Dont waste money on 2nd hand compressors get me the pert number and i can get you a new aftermarket one for under $600

    Same as xc/v60 2011?

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