UK 1998 V70 - A/C not dehumidifying properly

[Jason Russell]

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

 

[joelandyman]

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

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!!

 

[Jason Russell]

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!!

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