Our air conditioning system worked at the beginning of the summer and then stopped. The freon level was fine and the shop then went on investigate ($50 charge) and came to the conclusion (by default they said) that the compressor had gone. We did not have it done and later that day when we had the hood up we saw dried mats of leaves over each of the vents near the windshield and after cleaning them off the ac went again. Unfortunately the ac only worked for a bit after that - few days at most and since then it has gone on and off several times. My husband did not ask what the local shop (not a volvo dealer) checked and it wasn't written on the receipt but before we take it in again (probably not worth it this year given we live in the NE)can anyone suggest what it might be. Thanks

The clutch gap is easy to check when the AC refuses to turn on. Very careful not to touch the serpentine belt, use a long stick to tap the clutch towards the compressor. If it then engages, the gap needs to be fixed.

If there were that many leaves, I suggest you also clean out the cabin filter. The filter should be replaced annually.

Klaus
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Just driving a 1998 V70R :)

Depending on the exact nature and timing of the "coming and going" of the AC function, you might have a clutch gap problem which has an easy, cheap, DIY fix.

If the AC blows cold on cooler days but gives out after a few minutes or when accelerating on hot days. You should suspect the clutch gap has gotten too wide.

Check out:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=80181

Good luck!

Depending on the exact nature and timing of the "coming and going" of the AC function, you might have a clutch gap problem which has an easy, cheap, DIY fix.

If the AC blows cold on cooler days but gives out after a few minutes or when accelerating on hot days. You should suspect the clutch gap has gotten too wide.

Check out:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=80181

Good luck!