The compressor in our 1999 V70 (105k miles) intermittantly shuts off. It works fine on the road, but in stop and go driving will sometimes shut off for a little while. Our (indy) mechanic says it will continue this behavior for several months, then go out completely. At that point, we would be looking at a $970.00 repair bill.

Anyone else experienced this problem? Is it normal for the compressor to go out like this? Does this repair fee sound about right?

When a compressor goes, it goes! It does not futz around for a few warm months first. Volvo has very good compressor and poor evaporators that leak. Add a can of r134a, and if that makes a difference, then start looking for a new mechanic or find an AC shop that you can rely on to be knowledgeable and truthful.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

If their is no known leak and the temperature is fine (cold) then this is completely normal. Through a few checks and balances (high/low pressure switches etc) your a/c system will protect itself and protect your evaporator by shutting itself off.
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'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); All over 125k miles

It's not the compressor but only the clutch getting worn. Shims can be removed to reduce the gap to >.020".
Search the archives to learn how to do it without discharging the A/C.
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Tom 69-1800S, 72-1800ES, 96-850T,2000-S70 GLT-SE

Either your mechanic did some diagnostics to come to this conclusion or he didn't. If he did you will probably need a new compressor soon. If he didn't you need a new mechanic soon.

You may want to read some of the posts on this site about the clutch getting an excessive air gap and cutting out.

That said, low refrigerant because of an evaporator leak is the most common problem discussed here.

It's probably low in regrigerant, and compressor is fine..

Add a 12 oz can of 134a freon with the dye, so you can spot the leaking site in the future
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 -John, Tampa Bay

I have a 1998 which seems to have a good compressor. My a/c guy can put in a new charge of 134a and I get an artic blast. Over the next 3-4 months it will slowly loose it's cool. I think I have a leak and am hoping my next visit will result in a determination of such. How much one ballpark replacing the evaporators go for (parts)?

$1200 if you're lucky.
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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.

Here's the damage. On my last visit (4mo ago) my A/C mechanic put that dye in with the 134a recharge to trace a leak if one existed. Today the UV light shows the compressor as the source of the leak (a special investigation will follow). I've been quoted $450 in parts w/ 3hr labor. I'm expecting this to cost me $750 parts+labor (fair/unfair?) He's not charging me for another 134a refill, which seems kind but I figure he's making it up in parts/labor nicely. If this is a high quote, I'm happy to pay it cuz my mechanic is a good guy and lets me walk around the shop, etc.

I was hoping the comment on Volvo compressors being solid would ring true for me, but perhaps a high temp California life taxed my compressor.