A/C Compressor not coming on - 84 Volvo 242

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by Dave, Mar 3, 2007.

  1. Dave

    Dave Guest

    This problem is with my 1984 Volvo 242. Had my a/c system completely
    rebuilt 2.5 years ago with new compressor, etc and has been working
    fine. The compressor is no longer turning on when the a/c switch is
    turned on. The adjustable thermostat switch on the switch was not
    replaced when the system was redone. Before taking this in to the Volvo
    mechanic, are their any obvious things to check? I did check the fuse
    and it was OK. Is their anything funny about this thermostat switch?

    Thanks in advance,

    Dave
     
    Dave, Mar 3, 2007
    #1
  2. Dave

    James Sweet Guest

    You can check it with an ohm meter, it's just a switch. Be careful not
    to damage the capillary tube for the thermostat that controls it.
    Turning it fully clockwise should close the contacts regardless of the
    state of the thermostat. If the compressor is no longer turning on the
    charge may have leaked out, I don't recall whether the 240s have a
    pressostat to sense that.
     
    James Sweet, Mar 3, 2007
    #2
  3. Dave

    Mike F Guest

    Connect the 2 wires at the receiver-drier, and see if the compressor
    comes on then. If so, then the switch is bad (very unlikely) or the
    refrigerant has been lost.
    --
    Mike F.
    Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

    Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
    (But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)
     
    Mike F, Mar 6, 2007
    #3
  4. Dave
    I do not know where the a/c compressor is on the 242, but if you can get to
    it, when you think that it should be coming in, ie a/c full on, VERY
    CAREFULLY give the end of the clutch a tap with a thin wooden stick. If it
    clicks in, your clutch may be worn beyond its limits. It might be possible
    to adjust it in situ if this is the problem.
    Graham
     
    graham.brownlee2, Mar 14, 2007
    #4
  5. Dave

    James Sweet Guest

    It's right on the front on the lower-left side of the car. Easy to get
    to like all the rest of the accessories on a 240.
     
    James Sweet, Mar 15, 2007
    #5
  6. Dave

    z Guest

    While we're on the subject, what's the deal with the red end of the AC
    thermostat? What's that represent? War Emergency Air Conditioning?
    Temperatures so cold as to be dangerous?
     
    z, Mar 15, 2007
    #6
  7. Dave

    James Sweet Guest

    It bypasses the thermostatic switch, forcing the compressor to stay on
    (assuming no fault conditions). It can cause the evaporator to ice up,
    no damage but it will stop cooling until the ice melts and it could leak
    on the carpet.
     
    James Sweet, Mar 16, 2007
    #7
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