All,
Well, I had a great day last week. I brought the 5sp/non-turbo S70 to the dealer due to my repeated AC problem. Starting at 45,000 my AC would blow warm/moist air after about 15min of use. @45k the dealer replaced the thermostat (probably replaced some Freon but who really knows?) @62k/3 months later(I drive a bunch) the problem came back so they added Freon and then some dye. @62500/(2 weeks) it blows warm again, and only now do they say its the AC compressor that has burnt coils. Repair cost for that is $1067, but they will "give" me 10% off. I was cordial and said I'll take it to an indy tech first.

Now I understand my warranty is no longer in effect, but my service rep always stated that if the AC evaporator is the issue (b/c I thought it was the evap causing the issue) it would be covered under warranty even if I was outside over coverage. I guess it's a grandfathering thing or something... Well, they believe these are two separate issues and thus no warranty coverage. Of course being that I stand to pay a grand for the repair I think it's a continuing issue... and merits warranty coverage.

On top of all this my engine started doing the piston slap last week, and they believe that is due to faulty o-rings. Repair cost: $550. Oh joy!! The damn thing is only 3.6 years old. What the hell?!! I don't expect Honda reliability, but an AC compressor and an internal engine problem in year 3 is unacceptable.

So, I'm looking for some general advice on the issues, and most importantly... how should I go about contacting Volvo North America about getting the AC under warranty? I know my chances are next to nil, but I at least want to try. In all my reading it seems I'm one of two on this board to have any problems with the AC compressor (not the AC in general just the compressor), and one of a few with o-ring problems on a 2000 S70 (usually a C70 thing). I'm going to see the independent tech on Wed. this week. So maybe he can do something. In the mean time I'm sporting my fiancé’s Subaru forester.

Thanks for any help,

JH

Here's the update of my S70's condition. The A/C compressor's clutch was worn and kept overheating. The indy mechanic chalked it up to a poor compressor. They stated some S70/850's will go forever with no problems and then others will be only worth scrap parts after a few years. It's feaking amazing.

As for my engine o-ring issue. They believe that is just the way a volvo should with the piston slapping and all. That statment right there means this is the last time I go to this shop. Not to mention they ordered the wrong compressor the first time and just today got the right one. What kind of car nut tells you an engine should make a piston slapping sound that's reminds me of a broken head gasket?? If its making a loud ass noise then something is not right! Oh well, I'm selling the car anyway.

I have a theory on why some S70's suck and others are good. A friend of mine visited on of the S70 plants.. I forget where he said, something like Brussels one of the small european countries. He told me about how the factory was goverment owned and run and they produced our S70's along side Mitisubishi's in the same plant. Is that true? If it is no wonder we are haveing so many quality issues with our volvos.

JH

I paid $850 at my local Volvo dealer to have my compressor replaced at 90,000 miles. The condition of the compressor cutting out started at 40,000 miles and got worse. It used to cut out when ambiant temperature was over 90 degrees and I was sitting in a parking lot not moving. If I turned it off for ten minutes or started moving again it would come back on. At 90.000 mile 75 degrees outside temperature would cut it off unless I was on the highway. The problem is caused by an internal thermo switch in the compressor. It is supposed to protect your compressor if you lose refrigerant and the pressure sensor does not shut the compressor down before it overheats and seazes. The thermo sensor cannot be repaired or replaced. If you lived in a tropical climate this condition would have been evident while you were still in waranty. Here in Cleveland we may have only had a handful of 90 degree days per year while my car was under waranty. Good luck with Volvo of NA and keep us advised.

Posts like Mike’s are why I love this board. I know people have had this issue before.

Speaking of living in a tropical climate, this car has always been in the north Georgia area. I'm the second owner and it was purchased new across town at Dyer&Dyer Volvo here in Atlanta. I take it to Chris Volvo here in Atlanta. As many southerners know, the summers down here are sweltering. During the last 3 years we've had a drought with even more 90+ degree days and above average temperatures. So, if your theory is true my S70 would fit that profile. I also drive all the time. Each weekend I do about 500-600 miles to and from Columbia, SC. (Fiancé in med. school). It goes to the shop tomorrow. The Subaru forester is getting a new windshield today, and then the Volvo tomorrow. Talk about car issues hitting at once!

Thanks,

JH

E-mail : customerservice@volvocars.com

Phone # 1-800-458-1552

Snail Mail: Volvo Cars Of North America, L.L.C.
Seven Volvo Drive
Rockleigh, New Jersey 07647

Good luck, let us know what happens.
--
You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be.

I think that Volvo North America had moved to California a while ago. Definitely, it is not in New Jersey anymore.

Ching-Ho Cheng
--
1995 855 NA, Bilstein Shocks, K&N Filter, E-Code Lens, Apline CD-Changer

Definitely take it to an independent tech and please post the results. I am curious about what they mean by "burned coils" in the compressor? The compressor clutch has coils, because it is an electromagnet. The clutch can be replaced independently of the compressor, probably without even discharging the refrigerant (I'm not sure of that, but it looks like unbolting the compressor would allow the tech to move it enough to get the A/C clutch removal tool into place.)

Does your A/C still blow cool for 10 or 15 minutes and then shut off? Or is it not working at all?

Do you still have the receipt from the first repair? If so, could you please reply with the part number for the thermostat (pressostat?), and if possible, let us know if the work order says anything about recharging the system? (I think I need to replace mine, and I'm curious about whether it can be done without discharging the system. Some cars have a valve underneath those switches that close the hole when then switch is removed, some don't.)

I have all my receipts, so I'll get the information on that 45k repair. I know that every bill I get has very little descriptive information on it, so I'm not expecting much. This dealer also gives me a cassette tape from the tech. All he said on that repair was the thermostat was replaced. A whole sentence on tape seems like a waste. It should have the parts numbers and all that. Look for that post some night soon. I've been busy at work so the Volvo is going to the indy tech tomorrow.

I know he said coils in the compressor, but if there are only coils in the AC clutch then maybe that's what he meant to say. I've been meaning to check my Haynes manual about the AC repair. I like to have an idea of what they should be repairing. In this case I haven't done my research yet.

My AC still works for about 15 min, sometimes more or less depending on the outside temperature. The damn piston slapping is on my last nerve. We haven't driven the S70 in the past week given its condition. I still have to get Volvo NA's contact information. I'll call my dealer that should get them a little concerned.

Everyone will get an update ASAP. Thanks!!


JH