Written by Dave Urban. Caution: This information is giving for
purely information only. No Warrantee is either given or implied. Only
people who have the correct equipment should perform this task.
Years ahead of legislation, Volvo first introduced CFC-free air conditioning
on all of its U.S. and Canadian 1993 model cars.
With the public's increasing concern about the environment, Volvo released
a retrofit kit for older model Volvos in the spring of 1993. The kit allowed
Volvos with existing R12 freon based air conditioning systems to be converted
to use a CFC-free refrigerant. Volvo was the first automobile manufacturer
in the world to offer such a conversion kit for older model cars.
When I purchased my kit from my local dealer, I was shocked to find that it
did not include any type of instructions. They were kind enough to fax it to
me. This is a web version of the instructions that I received. I have added
some of my own comments in italics. This is not a job for the weekend
mechanic. It does require special tools. Some of those tools can be used at
the shop then the work done at the house.
[Editor] When the instructions mention "torque joint to 12 Nm" this means to tighten until snug. Don't overtighten:
the seal is made by the o-ring, not the threads. Lubricate the o-ring before
installation with compressor oil; use a backup wrench on all fittings; and test
with soap solution (which will bubble in the presence of a leak) after
Supplementary Kit 1, mainly for cars not equipped
with,factory-fitted valve,
with pipes or where pipe has
been removed as a service fix
Supplementary Kit 2
Shaft seal kit for cars equipped with Sanden Compressor
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CFC-Free
A/C Retrofit Kit for Pre-1993 Volvos 