The styling of the 850s is nice, isn't it? When I was closing the deal on mine, the seller drove up, and as I looked in my mirror to verify it was he, I thought "I'm getting THAT car?? Wow."
Regarding your comments on A/C in Volvos, my only data point is I mentioned to my indie Volvo mechanic I had heard the A/C was a chronic trouble spot on 850's (worried that mine has never been worked on), and his response was "I would say the evaporator has been replaced on most every '94 850 on the road. But, your year was fine ('95), and '96 as well." It would be interesting to have stats on this, because everyone talks about it.

Hi Myron

If you have a slow leak in your system, as others have said, a Volvo dealer (and many indys) will automatically tell you to replace the "faulty" components. If the A/C suddenly stopped working, that could simply be the result of sufficient refrigerant loss to trigger the low pressure sensor. But a slow loss of refrigerant doesn't necessarily mean that air has gotten into the system (which would result in the need to change the drier). A simple recharge, even anually, is a whole lot less expensive than an evaporator/drier replacement.
You didn't mention whether or not the dash lights are blinking when you start up.
You also didn't say whether or not the compressor is engaging.
Just curious... do you know if the dealer actually tested the system, leak checked it, or checked for error codes?
If the compressor isn't engaging, you can temporarily bypass the low pressure switch to see what happens... that can point you quickly and cheaply in the right direction.


Good luck

Marty
'96 855T

You could be right about Euro AC units. The big 3 have great AC, but the whole car needs to be recycled in about 5 years!
Most dealers will tell you that the evaporator needs to be replaced, money for them! I would add r134a, without additives, and see how long that lasts. Both my cars need about 2 cans at the begining of summer and that lasts until winter. That's about $40US for 2 cars per year. Much cheaper than a new evaporator.
Now I will need to adjust the clutch on my 850 so that the AC will work when it is hot outside.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Myron,
A quick trip over the bridge into the U.S. and you can get a kit by
Interdynamics that includes refridgerant with sealant and pressure gauge
for about $25.00 US. (Not available in Canada)
Takes about 5 minutes to re-charge the system, and worth a try. Just make sure you do it in the parking lot at Pep Boys since they would confiscate it coming across the border.
Did mine last month and am still chilly.
Armie in Belleville
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'94 850 154000kms '86 760GLE 272000kms 95 Silverado4x4