850 GLT 1993, A / C in erratic operation

[v8_und_sw]

Hi:

My 850 is having a strange problem, air conditioner works for about 2
or 3 minutes, cools well, later, the compressor stops working and air
is at natural outer temperature.

By this time, here in Costa Rica, this is a serious problem becasue day
temperature reaches to a maximum of 27ºC (about 81ºF)

When the problem appears, must of the times the "A/C" and the "Rec"
lights blink for several seconds, and sometimes even for minutes, and
the lights turn off, but A/C doesn´t work properly!.

Thanks and best regards

Oscar

 

[Michael Pardee]

Hi:

My 850 is having a strange problem, air conditioner works for about 2
or 3 minutes, cools well, later, the compressor stops working and air
is at natural outer temperature.

By this time, here in Costa Rica, this is a serious problem becasue day
temperature reaches to a maximum of 27ºC (about 81ºF)

When the problem appears, must of the times the "A/C" and the "Rec"
lights blink for several seconds, and sometimes even for minutes, and
the lights turn off, but A/C doesn´t work properly!.

Thanks and best regards

Oscar

======================================================

Sounds like the infamous "compressor overtemperature" switch. In the early
850s Volvo had a temperature cutout on the compressor that was intended to
protect it from damage. Unfortunately, the switch was too sensitive and
mostly keeps the compressor from working when most needed. The cure is to
bypass the switch - it never seemed to do any good anyway. See
http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=907982 for details.

Mike

 

[v8_und_sw]

Many thanks Mike:

I believe this really the root of the problem.

Best regards
Oscar