Hi folks, my V70 T5 has done 170k miles and is still running strong, however, I have an intermittent fault with the aircon which is particularly annoying as we're in the height of summer in the UK.

When the engine is cool, or running in good airflow (e.g. motorway) the system runs fine (delivering 10 degree C air), however, once in traffic or with ambient air temp around 28 degrees C, the system delivers no cool air, even though you can still hear the compressor working.

I've had the system regassed (oil added too, no leak apparently) by a local independant who advises that the intermittent performance could be the pump failing - estimated cost to replace the compressor £500 or £1000 from a Volvo dealership.

As the fault seems to be heat related, I'm not about to throw money at the compressor, indeed I've booked the car in for a check at the dealership but I'm not holding my breath that they will diagnose.

My question, therefore, is - does this problem ring a bell with anyone and/ or is there anything I can be checking (sensors etc) before shelling out?

Apologies if there's something already in the articles here but I couldn't see anything specifically related.

Many Thanks

PPugh

On this side of the pond, there aren't too many complaints about AC until the temp gets over 35C.
This is common on the 850s and is usually a compressor clutch with too much gap or the radiator fan is not pulling enough air through the system.
Be thankful that it is not really hot over there. We should hit 40C in Minneapolis tomorrow, in the shade.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Check the Environmental Control Unit (the A/C controls are mounted on it in the dash). If the orange lights blink for 20 seconds when the car is first started, it indicates that the ECC unit is bad and requires replacement. The lowest costs place to start is the High Pressure Switch. Since the car cools normally until slow speeds or higher ambient temperatures, this is more than likely the problem.