I recently had my S90 into the local Volvo Dealer to check the AC System. They diagnosed it as low on refrigerant 134a. They evacuated the system and installed die to detect the leak. I was told to drive it for 2 weeks and come back for them to check it with a Black Light. This is a Certified PreOwned vehicle with 37,000 miles on it. This service was not covered, the charges where about $165.00. I questioned why they didn't use Electronic Leak detectors to check for the refrigerant leak. Their response was that they are not authorized by the factory for use,nor did they seem that they even existed. I know for a fact that they work well and many independent shops use them with great success. I also questioned why they don't use a die injection system....they couldn't even respond to this question. It sure seems like Volvo is in the dark ages on this diagnostic procedure. I talked to VIP who handles the extended 2 year service for the Certified Preowned program and they agree with me,plus they questioned the 2 week wait. I will love trying to recover the $165.00 that I was charged when they tell me that the some "warranted" part was the problem. What does anyone else think?

Love the car but the dealers are worthless.

the a/c "re-charge" or "top-off" is not covered by the vip warr. because it

(the r-134) is considered a "consumable" item like brake pads. If after the two weeks, you bring in the car and they do find a leak, that will probably (i'm no warranty coder) be covered by vip. Wheter or not you get your $165. back is another battle.

as far as leak detection goes...those electronic "sniffers" suck!

I assume you have no personal experience with them. The dye is the way to

go. It's almost fool proof.

If you've ever owned a volvo before, you'll know they have problems with

a/c leaks.

one more thing...it's a lot harder to find an r-134 leak than old fashioned r-12, because r-12 would always collect oil around the leak. For some reason 134 doesn't.

pete