I've had my '98 V70 T5M for about a year. Actually bought it from a salvage auction with a smacked rear quarter panel and bumber for $4000. Running the VIN told me it was a single owner car from the local area (I lived in Albuquerque at the time). It had 93K, timing belt was changed at 82K. Got the quarter and bumber replaced by a friend in the body work business and have had no major troubles.

Passed the 100K mark this winter (now in Nebraska). Brickboard has saved me a ton of money. Wife compains about the heat and crappy gas mileage, Brickboard tells me to check the thermostat. $8.54 later I'm back in business. Reverse lights don't work, Brickboard links me to Vovospeed website and tells me how to replace the switch. I'm pretty satisfied with myself at this point. Saved a ton on money on a car we'll hopefully drive forever, no salvage auction gremlins, life is good.

Well I'm scanning Brickboard and start reading about the A/C evaporator problems. Go outside, turn on the A/C, and wouldn't you know it, starts cycling really fast just like you all said. Bottom line: I know this is not a $8.54 fix, so if I go to the dealer here in Omaha, Nebraska, what's it going to cost? It's still pumping out cold air, if I leave it alone will it eventually die and take something else with it? If it dies on every car, why has Volvo not recalled this part? Is 100K deemed a normal life?

Sorry for the length. This forum is absolutely the best I've seen.
--
Scott - '98 V70 T5

My '98 V70 AWD was fast cycling too and after the dealer put in the UV dye and recharged the system, the lower AC hose that runs under the radiator/turbo cooler was glowing away. It seems the hoses are permeable to the smaller molecules of the new refrigerants. This is well know in other makes of cars (Toyota for example) Replacing the hose was done and the system workd great two years later!

I agree, the volvo corp. shopuld be replacing all the bad evap's.

a class action law suit is what all us v79/850 a/c owners need

Uhh, your response has nothing to do with my post, though I do agree that the evaporator problem could be better addressed by Volvo. My post specifically showed that there are other common reasons for refrigerant loss than falied evaporators. People need to look at the hose issue.

My evaporator was replaced at 101k but it was a "free" repair from the dealer because I had been complaining about it for a year. Otherwise, I would have tried a recharge. Even if your car requires a recharge every season that's easier than the nightmarish evaporator replacement. If you're over 100k it won't be too long before the repairs come so close together that you'll be looking for another car, procrastinate and let the next owner deal with it if you can.

-Punxsutawney Phil

'98 V70T5M 114k mi.

As mentioned, a recharge might be all that's in order. Have AC dye added too so that if and when it becomes low on 134a again, the source can be seen. Your evap might be beginning to leak slowly but a new charge might take 2 seasons or more to leak out so to me, that's no big deal. Freon of any type never seems to stay in any Volvo forever.

Try recharging it first. Recharging is a 9 dollar fix so maybe your lucky and thats all it needs.