In July, my AC would run out of cool air and just blow warm air after about
20 minutes. Went for summerization -- thought topping up freon would help, but
it didn't. Dealer service (where I bought it used 6 yrs ago), tested & said
I need new evaporator core. I had that replaced once in 2002, but they said
I needed another. Took a deep breath & paid $2000 for it. Same problem, blowing warm air after 20-30 minutes. Went back, and they replaced the pressostat. Seemed good for a while, but the weather wasn't as hot, either.
Just had a hot day yesterday, and same problem -- warm air after 20-30 minutes. The smell of the air changes, it feels humid, and it's not cool.

I'm thinking it's not a freon leak, because after the car stands for 20 minutes or so, I have cool air again.

Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this? I haven't been back to the dealer yet.
Thanks!

Classic compressor problem. Dealer should know this.

You should go after dealer for refund and a free compressor! (which should be maybe $600)

Maybe check your climate control sensors. They're behind each one of the grab handles above the front doors. Remove the cover with the small hole and CAREFULLY vacuum out any dust trapped in the hole. There's a fragile thermistor in the hole that regulates the temp when set to automatic. When they get covered with dust they don't respond well.

I would go in and raise he&&. Tell them you are going elsewhere to get it fixed correctly, and you want your money back for the evaporator, which you clearly didn't need. I have had a handful of (smaller $) similar experiences with dealers who did work that clearly was unneccessary. Once it became obvious I was irrate. I usually prevailed. It doesn't make sense that misdiagnosis on their part is your responsibility. Good luck.

Sounds like the classic clutch gap problem. If it's greater than .030" you have found the problem. There is a way to reduce it but the dealer probably won't do it. They will repalce the compressor for another $1K. $2K for an evaperator you didn't need. WOW.
--
Tom 69-1800S, 72-1800ES, 96-850T,2000-S70 GLT-SE

Kew...

Read this site....

http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/aircon-keithP.html

Toward the end of the site is a simple series of things to look at... which components are cold, which are hot, which show condensation, etc...

Then repost what you've seen... pay special attention to whether or not the compressor is engaged when it's blowing warm, or if the compressor has disengaged... that's the first step in trying to diagnose exactly what's happening.

Marty
'96 855T

Believe you may have been had. There are a couple of minor items which can cause these cycliing problems. The temp sensor on the compressor and the compressor clutch air gap being too wide. Hope they checked these items.

dick

Has anyone checked the A/C refrigerant pressure? If you had adequate pressure, the shop had no business replacing your evaporator. In that case, I would take them to small claims court.

Just a thought: slipping compressor clutch?
--
Ken

Yeah, and the entire rebuilt compressor is only marginally more costly than the compressor clutch....

The original poster might consider finding a tame indy shop. You can keep shotgunning AC parts into a Volvo just about forever.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 163k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Adams (1952-2001)

Wow! Thanks to all for such good ideas. I'm printing these out & taking to the dealer tomorrow. We'll see what they say. I'll keep you posted.