Volvo XC 90 2014, ac compressor´s control valve

[@bugwitz21]

J Paz thanks a lot! I own a 2010 Volvo XC90 3.2. Your video just saved me about $1700 on a new compressor replacement at the Volvo dealership! I've had to deal with this intermittently cooling AC for about 2 years and in the last few months it's gotten worse. Twice the Volvo service writer recommended replacing the AC compressor. Watched many KZbin videos and everyone of them I saw recommended replacing the compressor. You're the only one I found that pointed to the control solenoid valve as a possible fix so I figured since it's a lot simpler and much cheaper to replace that it's worth trying. I didn't get the Volvo OEM but went for a less expensive aftermarket solenoid ($45). Removed and replaced the solenoid, vacuumed the system, recharged the refrigerant and now my AC works like a champ! Thanks for the video!

[@TheJaimecasado]

Thanks for the video. Will I have to add freon or vacuum the system if if I change the valve? Thanks

[@jpaz3852]

System has to be empty, and then refilled. Needs around 1kg.

[@TheJaimecasado]

@@jpaz3852 thank. Will do

[@TheJaimecasado]

@@jpaz3852 thanks. I changed the valve, did vacuum, refilled the system and now it works great. I also put both temperature control on hot position for 3 mimutes then cold. One side firts then the oder.

[@jpaz3852]

AC failed again this week since the repair that this video shows. Replace the Schrader valve. It was leaking. It is very cheap. O ring damaged.

[@johnbrabant9548]

So my 2011 XC60 has an issue with the AC running for a while and then kicking off. It sometimes doesn't kick on right away either. Seems like a sticking relay or something. I have heard that there is a switch in these variable speed compressors that can be "sticky" and cause the AC to operate intermittently. Would it be this valve-switch that is causing my problem? The car has approximately 50,000 miles on it fyi, but has had this problem since it had 35K miles on it.

[@jpaz3852]

Sorry. I just read it. It can be. Hit it gently with something soft. Check if works.

[@jtcintl4373]

My 2011 XC60 is also having this same issue...

[@teravolt6113]

In my car this was a faulty AC clutch coil connector, the one that comes from the ECU. Bought a new one and spliced it in in place of the old one, and it's no longer misbehaving.

[@teravolt6113]

I also had a faulty compressor control valve, but this just showed up as a somewhat "weak" compressor (i.e. you got maximum cooling only when driving, otherwise cooling was somewhat feeble). New compressor control valve, and the vent air temperature is stable.

[@teravolt6113]

Out of curiosity what was the problem with the old valve inside? Noisy compressor? Slow cooling?

[@jpaz3852]

In the city; the AC was taking too long to cool down, but it was fine in the highway. Also, was fine at night.

[@teravolt6113]

@@jpaz3852 This would also mean compressor noise, because variable compressors just like this one are naturally noisier when pumping at low displacement (the reason for the slow cooling at low rpm btw), and the noise travels to the evaporator through the suction line (that's why a muffler is often found on the low pressure pipe). Basically a moaning noise. Kudoz to you for replacing the valve only.

[@jtcintl4373]

I found that once I had the AC System flushed and refilled (prior to replacing the AC Compressor Switch), it stopped making the loud moaning noise... Possibly a lack of lubricant in the old freon?

[@teravolt6113]

@@jtcintl4373 No. I'm sure it can't be a lubricant issue. I once watched a compressor run without any lubrication (and seize up). It rattled like death while it still worked. The moan noise is caused by the pistons traveling a very short stroke in a variable displacement compressor. The very short stroke makes the reed valves flutter (exactly what happens inside a harmonica when you play it) and this is where the noise comes from. Low refrigerant seems to prevent the compressor control valve from working correctly and setting the compressor in the right displacement.

[@jtcintl4373]

My freon was full and the compressor was making the moaning noise...?

[@cobravenum]

were your fans not turning on? im having that issue right now and AC and suv get hot in heavy traffic or long red lights

[@jpaz3852]

Fans were fine. Just not cooling properly at day light.