I'm about the repair some broken retaining clips on a 1996 850 I just purchased, and I want to get the AC running also. I've read the posts about evaporator and accumulator repair, so this seems like a good time to do it. The guy I bought it from says he replaced the compressor about 2 years ago, but currently the AC does not blow cold and the system will not take coolant.

I know the smart thing is to go ahead and replace the parts while I have the dash out, but I'd prefer not to spend the money if I don't need to. How can I test the accumulator and evaporator to see if they are really bad?

Does the AC clutch engage? If the PO replaced the compressor and left the accumulator alone, rpelace the accumulator. Check the pressure of the system with the clutch engaged.
While it is common for the evap to spring a leak, there are those who have used the small 3oz can of stop leak with success. My 1998 V70 developed a leak at the schrader valve due to over use :)

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 1967 220S

Meant to specify that the broken retaining clips are the ones that hold the dash to the firewall, I'll take any tips there also.