I've got a 1986 760 GLE and I'm having problems with the A/C. Last week, the fuse for the A/C & Heater blower went out. After reading thru the FAQ, I found the issue with fuse #16...turns out that was the problem.

I went ahead and replaced the fuse for the time being and noticed a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. I found where the noise is coming from...I tried looking up the piece of equipment in my Haynes manual, but couldn't find it. It is located between the Power Steering Reservoir and the battery. It seems to be some type of vacuum pump, but I'm not sure. I can unplug it and the A/C and heater work fine. I hate to leave it unplugged incase it does something important. Any ideas?

Here are some images of the item:
http://www.matler.com/volvo/volvo-1.jpg
http://www.matler.com/volvo/volvo-2.jpg
http://www.matler.com/volvo/volvo-3.jpg

It is the vacuum pump for your ECC system. You can try unplugging it and seeing if the a/c still works properly. I have seen them come like they are supposed to (triggered by a lack of vacuum in the reservoir) and I have seen them just run and run and run for no apparent reason. The last one I had the customer did not want to spend the time or money to fix so I stuck a bolt in the hose, clamped it down tight and the A/C programmer is still working fine 2+ years later.


Rule 308