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It finally happened: AC is going south - help! S70 1998

posted by  Vladimir on  Wed Jan 4 08:43 CST 2006
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last visit: Sun Oct 5 18:40 CST 2014
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Well, after all these years (had the car since new in 12/98, 40 miles) my AC was ok and I was counting my blessings with it. Finally, this fall I began to hear the frequent cycling of the compressor and my heart sank. It still cooled well enough through the hot weather, but I just took a trip from Washington to Boston last week and right in the middle of the trip up north on NJ turnpike during hard rain, AC quit and the windows started to fog up something terrible (two adults, two kids and one cat in the car all breathing).

So, I guess my question is do I just take it to the pros and resign to the fact that it'll cost an arm and a leg or is there something I can do before to try and remedy the situation? Is there a good sealer out there that is not dangerous to the rest of the system? Can I get by with it or am I doomed and it is the condenser? The car has Electronic Climate Control (ECC), other than that plain-jane no frills model.
--
Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 (approaching 200K miles and rolling on...) - hers








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    It finally happened: AC is going south - help! S70 1998

    posted by  MadeInJapan on  Wed Jan 4 14:35 CST 2006
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    last visit: Sat Oct 2 06:34 CST 2010
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    Vladimir, oh no...can't believe it. I would recharge the system with some of the gas that says it has some sealant in it...I did that and I was good all summer, but then again, it may be to far gone. You need to take it to a good independent mechanic if that doesn't do it for you and get the system properly diagnosed. Depends on how much you like your car as to if it's worth doing the Evap., if that's what it is. I know that many claim $1200 for the repair but I read recently of 6-$800 too, so it's all in who you find to do it...just don't skimp and buy third party parts if you plan on keeping your S70. Good luck.
    --
    1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.








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      It finally happened: AC is going south - help! S70 1998

      posted by  Vladimir on  Wed Jan 4 15:20 CST 2006
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      last visit: Sun Oct 5 18:40 CST 2014
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      Well, I did try one of those sealant things, but it did not last long. I will try an indie shop in my area (luckilly, I know of one). I really don't know why the evap would go. These cars come with the air filter, so the whole 850 problem of dirt and grime collecting and causing the evap to rot is not there. Maybe something else is wrong. I just hoped there may be some other less expensive way... As it happens, my wife's 940 is suffering from lack of AC as well, but there is a good reason there. That car has 175K miles and has hit a deer last year and took out the AC condenser among other things. We have fixed the car, but the AC was never right, so I have to really look into that as well. Looks like lots of AC related fixes for me on Volvos this year.

      But, I am coming up on the 60K on the S70 and this spring will do the 60K service. Already got the parts ready. The serpentine belt seems the biggest PIA. The car still runs great and still gives me driving pleasure. I'll have to look into a strut twer brace as the body roll in corners is starting to get to me after almost 8 years.

      Best wishes and happy New Year!
      --
      Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 (approaching 200K miles and rolling on...) - hers








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        It finally happened: AC is going south - help! S70 1998

        posted by  MadeInJapan on  Wed Jan 4 16:20 CST 2006
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        last visit: Sat Oct 2 06:34 CST 2010
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        Actually, the S70 Evaporator is no different (part wise) than the 850. The cabin filter does help a great deal and helps the Evap. last longer but it does not keep it from deteriorating completely. That's why it has lasted 8 years unstead of the typical 4 or 5, or in some cases even less time in an 850. I hope it's not the Evap., but if it is, I wouldn't be surprised. Either way, happy Volvoing in '06 and hope you get it all sorted out....Please report back with what you find and decide to do.
        --
        1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.








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          It finally happened: AC is going south - help! S70 1998

          posted by  Vladimir on  Thu Jan 5 03:15 CST 2006
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          last visit: Sun Oct 5 18:40 CST 2014
          [RELATED]

          I hope it is not the evap also. I will schedule an appointment and have it looked at some time soon. As it stands now I really don't use the car much. I work 6 miles away from home and use a motorcycle in good weather, so the motivation to spend $1,000 on the car I use so little is small. It was annoying on the road trip to loose the ability to defog the windshield, but other than that I rarely use the AC. Maybe that was the problem. After I get it fixed I'll keep the AC button on green (ON) instead of amber (OFF) as I usually do. There is probably wisdom to this recomendation.

          I'll report bach when I have news.


          Thanks!
          --
          Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 (approaching 200K miles and rolling on...) - hers







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