My wife's a/c seems to cool intermitently. With the a/c button pushed, and without her adjusting the knobs, it cools for a while, and then doesn't cool for a while. When it cools, it doesn't cool too well. Is this a problem with lack of coolant, or do I have a bigger problem?

Red

There are three possible problems I know of that are simple to check. First, get yourself one of those pressure check and recharge items from a place like NAPA. Charge the system according to instructions. If the problem persists it could be the temp sensor on the compressor that can be bypassed and is not even used on newer models. There also is the change the air gap on the compressor clutch is too great in which case it needs to be adjusted. Bay thirteen has good stuff on that all. Thus far I have had those three problems on a couple of the FWD Volvo's. Also, there is the sensor above the grab handles that needs to be kept clean. This is above the doors. Just vacuum them out to keep dirt from building up and fowling up the sensors.

Good luck,

dick

I have a similar problem with a 98, but I cannot find the sensors above the grab handles. I have removed the handles and I can not locate sensors behind them.

I think those sensors are only there if the car is equiped with the auto climate control, from my last one I remember the sensors were easily visible in about the middle of each front seat handle! also that car had the dual zones which is what the sensors were monitoring. hope this helps.