Different Parts of Your VOLVO’s AC System & the Related Problems

The AC system in your VOLVO keeps the cabin cool and comfortable. So, it is also required to keep the AC in proper working condition to enjoy cool air. Before going to the causes of failure of the AC system, you should learn the different parts that constitute the AC system in your VOLVO.

Compressors are driven by a belt. It makes up the heart of your AC system. These can often break down and may need to be replaced. Noises coming from your vents are a solid indicator that your compressor is at fault. To test this, turn your AC to maximum cold, turn it on with the engine running, and put your ear near the vent.

Compressor

Condenser

Your AC condenser cools the refrigerant in the AC system. It works to release heat through gas compression. This gas is then condensed into a liquid. The condenser is usually situated ahead of the radiator. Signs of a condenser problem include reduced cooling and AC system leaks in your VOLVO.

Receiver

Your AC drier serves two primary purposes. The first is storage. It temporarily stores refrigerant. The second is the filtration. It removes moisture and debris from the AC system. There are three indicators that your receiver drier is not functioning correctly.

A bad receiver dryer may leak refrigerant. Because a drier is chambered, if you hear a rattle it could be because of damage or matter trapped inside. A broken drier won't dry. That causes moisture build-up and can lead to mold or mildew growing in the system. You'll smell this before you see it.

Orifice Tube/Expansion Valve

The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant. It connects to the evaporator and lowers the pressure of the refrigerant coming from the condenser. A few signs your orifice tube might be bad include warm air from the AC system, frost on your evaporator and a compressor that won't shut off.

AC evaporators

Your evaporator is basically a heat exchanger. It pulls heat from the inside of your car so it can be absorbed by the refrigerant. It is more likely to get corroded by acid than any other part of your AC system. That means repairs are unlikely.

Main causes for a malfunctioning AC system

Whenever you find any of the signs, take your VOLVO to your trusted service center and get the AC system properly inspected. So, let us go through the main causes of a malfunctioning AC system.

Faulty compressor

The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant to absorb the heat from the air in the cabin and release it outside. A bad compressor is not able to pump the refrigerant through the system and results in a lack of cooling power. This makes the AC blow warm air inside the cabin. Even sometimes, the clutch stops moving and creates a problem for the compressor.

The clutch allows the pulley to engage and disengage from engine power. When the clutch malfunctions, then the compressor either is activated all the time or doesn't receive power from the engine. In such cases, it is always recommended to replace the compressor for better and efficient results.

Low refrigerant

Freon is the chemical refrigerant responsible for the cold air out of the AC system in your VOLVO. This refrigerant cools the warm air pumped into the AC before it is distributed back into the cabin. So, a low amount of refrigerant can affect the degree of the coldness of the air coming out of the AC.

The new AC systems require a specific amount of freon and the proper way to check the system for the correct volume of freon is with a charging machine.

Clogged condenser

The condenser consists of a series of tubes with fins around them and its work is to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. The refrigerant enters the condenser as a high-pressure vapor, but as it flows through the condenser, it cools down and turns into a cold high-pressure liquid.