UK 1998 V70 - A/C not dehumidifying properly

Discussion in 'Volvo V70' started by Jason Russell, Jan 24, 2008.

  1. I've noticed over the colder months that my car steams up in the cold when
    the AC is on re-circ mode. Its not so bad if re-circ is turned off.

    Unfortunately, I often find that the car windscreen is damp on the inside
    (so much so that a napkin gets rather damp when used to wipe the screen),
    and the AC struggles to clear it.

    It doesn't help that I often have my Rottie in the back, panting and
    puffing!

    I also think that the AC is nowhere near as cold as it should be.

    I've had the system recently re-gassed, and popped back a week later, but no
    leaks where obvious - and the compressor engages properly.

    Are these symptoms of a failed/ing condenser ?

    If so, can anybody point me in the direction of an independent Volvo
    specialist in the South East with AC experience? - I understand that the
    dash may have to come out, and I am loath to take it to my regular 'general'
    mechanic.

    (Sorry car is an 1998 V70 Classic)

    Regards

    Jason Russell
     
    Jason Russell, Jan 24, 2008
    #1
  2. Jason Russell

    joelandyman Guest

    Hi Jason.
    i think you'll find that when you select recirc mode, the compressor
    for the aircon will not run. It's a safety thing to prevent the system
    freezing or something. You certainly won't get good dehimidification
    with recirc mode selected, you need fresh air.

    Change the pollen filter (if fitted), as this will bring your airflow
    back up to standard.
    The other thing which I find useful is to switch the AC off completely
    a few minuted before you get home, as doing this melts any ice on your
    evaporator, letting it drain out of the vehicle, then there's less
    moisture sitting inside the heater/cooler ready to stick to the
    windscreen as the car cools down overnight. Makes your screen drier in
    the morning.

    I have had similar problems recently, but I need to check my gas
    level. I think mine needs a recharge as it was very poor in the
    summer.

    Hope to help.
    Joe.
    P.S Keep the V70 classic going. The build quality is better than that
    of the 2000- model ten fold. I miss my old 1997 girl!!
     
    joelandyman, Jan 24, 2008
    #2
  3. Thanks Joe, I'll give that a shot.

    Pollen filter was replaced about 1 year ago, but I'll get another fitted.

    She now has 160,000 miles (256,000kms) on the clock, and is going strong!

    Regards

    Jason Russell
     
    Jason Russell, Jan 24, 2008
    #3
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