Clicking air con when switched on .... ???

**st1t5** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 15:50

Hi ...
On our 1999 C70, when I switch the air con on I'm met with no cold air but the pump is constantly clicking, is this a sign of the system being empty or is there a common fault with the Volvo system ??

I had the system regassed last month by Kwik Fit and tbh even then I never thought it was very cold, although the Kwik Fit guy assures me it was freezin when he tested it after regassing it last month.

Thanks

**S70T5Chris** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 15:56

The pump clicks on and off, when it's low on gas. Sounds like you have a leak somewhere. When Kwikfit put the gas, it should have a dye in it, so If you go back they should be able to see where the leak is coming from with their CSI bodily fluid torch!!

**stephenevans99** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 16:00

If the compressor is cycling in & out every few seconds - normally indicates that the system is very low on refrigerant. If it was re-gassed recently then you've probably got a small leak somewhere. The problem with Kwik Fit is that they don't inject a UV Dye into the system when re-gassing - without UV Dye it's almost impossible to detect where it's leaked from. That said, it's most likely the condensor as this takes all the punishment when on the road.

Damn....Chris beat me to it

lol

**st1t5** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 18:04

Thanks for the reply guys.

Kwik Fit want to carry out a leak test that you spoke about, they will use the UV dye.

If it turns out the condensor is leaking, is it an easy thing to renew ?

**stephenevans99** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 18:14

I'd imagine a decent quality condensor to be approx £60 & then possibly 1-2 hours labour to install + the cost of the re-gas.

**timbo** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 18:29

Could also be the electro magnets in the condenser, if so it's time for a new one, here's a re cond one on eBay for £195, link below. Re-gased mine but was still clicking on and off.

http://bit.ly/16Usqgw

**merc85** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 18:39

if you suspect a leak the reciever dryer is a good place to start, it rust through. located osf lower wing

**st1t5** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 19:40

Originally Posted by merc85

if you suspect a leak the reciever dryer is a good place to start, it rust through. located osf lower wing

Just had a look over it and apart from a wee bit of light surface corrosion it looks ok.

Thanks

**stephenevans99** · Sunday 4th August 2013, 20:39

Once there's UV dye in the system, it should be fairly easy to find the leak.

Unless it's on the Evaporator which is located behind the dash - then it's a pain in the proverbial

**st1t5** · Saturday 10th August 2013, 12:38

Not had a chance to get a UV test carried out yet, but did have a look myself today and think i might have found the leak myself ... Its where the metal pipe connects onto the condenser, its all damp in that area.

Is there a gasket or O rings inside that joint that has maybe went ? ...

**stephenevans99** · Saturday 10th August 2013, 15:45

There are seals in there which appear to be standard rubber o-rings but they are actually HNBR seals (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) which are designed to be used with refrigerant and PAG oil.

Don't replace with standard rubber o-rings as it will leak, replace with the correct seals and ensure the fitting is nice and clean.

**st1t5** · Saturday 10th August 2013, 18:13

Originally Posted by stephenevans99

There are seals in there which appear to be standard rubber o-rings but they are actually HNBR seals (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) which are designed to be used with refrigerant and PAG oil.

Don't replace with standard rubber o-rings as it will leak, replace with the correct seals and ensure the fitting is nice and clean.

Thanks for that Steve, much appreciated.

On a side note, just noticed you location and where your Volvo photo was taken, brought back some memories. I used to hot bed it in Stalmine at my mates mums in my army days when based at Catterick and we used to come through to party in Blackpool ...
Took a few photo's of my old Renault 19 16v and my mates XR3i one sunny Sunday on that very same blocking back in 1997 ....

**stephenevans99** · Saturday 10th August 2013, 18:40

Really is a small world....the ferry approach is a popular place to take car pics - the local dealer photographs most of his cars on the same spot. It does give a lovely backdrop.

You'll be pleased to know that Stalmine, along with Knott End probably hasn't changed one bit since 97 - loving the R19 16V but don't tell anyone - lol

**st1t5** · Saturday 10th August 2013, 19:42

Small world indeed ...

I used to take the 19 to get washed at a cool garage on the outskirts of Knott End. You parked the car on a turn table and you just stood still whilst the car spun round ...lol ... probably long gone now.
That Stalmine / Knott End road to the J33 on the M6 was a stonking great road for some rather rushed driving.

**stephenevans99** · Saturday 10th August 2013, 19:57

I'm sure that car wash was in Hambleton - replaced with a modern one now though.

That's the A588 from the Hambleton/Stalmine/Preesall area through Pilling heading into Cockerham and Lancaster - awesome road with a decent 3/4 mile straight surrounded by just fence and sheep !! You can easily get upto 50mph on there

Absolute madness with the bikers this time of year.