Air conditioning issues with xc90 2010

Dan_xc90

Hi guys needing some feedback on me air con seems to work ok when it's colder outside but if it's a warmer day takes like 10 plus min to work, and I think it's when the radiator fan cuts on it works.. Someone said could be control valve in the air compressor, any ideas? Would be muchly appreciated

martymoose

If your in Sydney I can recommend Anthony at Bragg’s at Carlingford station. He is very good on ac problems

martymoose

+61 2 9871 6182

tmovlovs

Is external temp on dash displaying accurately? The CCM takes into account the external temp if reporting low such as 0degC or under zero the A/C will not cut in on the 2nd or 3rd attempt at calibration. Driver's door mirror connector is often the culprit, just remove and spray with contact cleaner and a/c begins staying on.
This error cost me an entire Summer in a very hot car because I had no idea external temp was a factor.

Dan_xc90

I ended up getting this part from AliExpress for $30, getting a. Mobile air con guy to put it in and top up gas, been working fine for last 2 months. Apparently common failure in VW too in later model cars with a electronic valve /solinoid(not manuel type clutch) system

Joel

I've been having A/C problems with my car the past 2 years and the symptoms sound exactly like those described in this thread. I took it to an A/C guy last summer and he checked over everything, replaced a relay and re-gassed the system. It kind of improved the cooling a bit but it was never as cold as it should be most of the time, just sometimes it would be really cold. Coming into summer again it is really lacking.

I have ordered the compressor control valve off AliExpress after getting under the car to read the correct part numbers off the compressor. Once it arrives I will have to get the gas pumped back out to install it and then re-filled.

I will report back if it fixes the problem.

My car is a 2011 XC60 D5 with a Sanden Compressor PXC16 part No. P31315453

Ex850R

Condenser?

Joel

Ex850R
Condenser?

What about it?

Ex850R

Exactly.

Joel

They tested for leaks last summer so I don't think that is the problem, all signs lead towards a sticking compressor solenoid.

Ex850R

Dont the condenser on these clog up or am i dreaming.

nh2868

On both the Volvo and VW/Audi systems, there's a variable stroke compressor instead of clutch on/off like there used to be. The theory is that the compressor can adjust the piston stroke to regulate the gas supply independent of the load and the engine revs. Clever idea. Trouble is particularly if you don't use it often the regulating valve sticks at a fixed position. On my XC90, this meant slight cooling but never enough. New valve and regas, and 300,000km later compressor is still fine and A/C is perfect. Took several frustrating visits to A/C "experts" and eventually google to come up with the fix.

jamesinc

Huh interesting, u didn't know variable stroke compressors were a thing. You'd think Volvo would just have the ECU switch the compressor on every now and then to prevent it from sticking.

Joel

Just to report back on this thread since my A/C is now fixed.

The compressor control valve I ordered off AliExpress took a ridiculous amount of time to arrive so I have only just had it installed today.

The A/C repair guy hooked the car up to check the gas pressure, everything was still in spec so indeed there was no gas leak but still not blowing cold enough air.

I got him to install the valve and now it blows ice cold air again and no more whirring sound when the A/C is switched on.

Philia_Bear

@Joel

Have a link to the seller you bought it from?

I'm thinking of importing some in bulk so there is an Australian stock

Joel

Philia_Bear
@Joel
Have a link to the seller you bought it from?
I'm thinking of importing some in bulk so there is an Australian stock

Sure mate, this is the store

https://happytouringautomativeparts.aliexpress.com/store/1078733?edm_click_module=order_detail&tracelog=rowan&rowan_id1=buyerPayOnlineSuccessToBuyerV2_1_en_US_2020-11-26&rowan_msg_id=1506812178656760$15cd95bb86974181a5f98ea5fba2e41c&ck=in_edm_other