How To Troubleshoot Volvo Air-Conditioning Issues

The air conditioning system in your car is a complicated machine. Many parts work together to keep your vehicle cool and comfortable, but it can take effort to figure out what happens if something goes wrong. However, with some basic knowledge about how AC works and how to troubleshoot common issues, you can fix most problems at home without taking your car to a professional shop. In this post, we will go over some common problems with car air conditioners and give tips on troubleshooting them yourself, so you don't have to pay someone else (or leave your vehicle stranded) while they work on it! 

Check the Radiator

If you leak, it may be time to replace the radiator. Leaks can happen at many different places on your car's cooling system, but a loose hose connection or damage from debris most commonly causes it. If you see signs of rust or corrosion on your radiator, remove it and inspect for cracks in the metal that need to be repaired before using it again. 

Check hoses for leaks and cracks or tears in rubber hoses that will let water seep into air conditioning lines which means that water will enter the compressor, causing significant damage when running at high speeds. 

Also, make sure there aren't any holes in any plastic lines since these tend to crack over time due to age and sun exposure. The same goes for rubber valve covers which may be broken around mounting points, so check these areas carefully. 

Check the Condenser and Expansion Valve

The expansion valve and the condenser are components of your car's A/C system that can cause problems if they need to be in better shape. Here's what you need to know about checking and repairing them:

        The expansion valve controls the amount of refrigerant entering your car's air conditioning system. If this component is damaged, it could cause your air conditioner not to work condenser properly is a heat exchanger that transfers heat from refrigerant back into the environment so that it won't harm other parts of your engine while they're working hard during hot weather conditions. If it's damaged, it will be unable to do its job correctly, so you'll be left with an overheating engine instead of cool air blowing out of the vents on those sweltering summer days! 

Check the Evaporator 

If you notice any of the following issues with your evaporator, it may need to be replaced:

        Leaks

        Signs of damage

        Corrosion

        Rusting or mold growth

        Dirt or debris 

Check the Pressure Inside the System

Checking the pressure inside the system is essential to diagnosing and fixing any air conditioning problem. You can check this with a gauge, which you can buy at an auto parts store or borrow from your local mechanic. 

If the pressure is too high, there might be a leak in the cooling system somewhere, causing the excess refrigerant to escape into the atmosphere. If it's too low, your compressor isn't working correctly, or you need to recharge/add more refrigerant (more on this later). 

Take it to a professional

If you've exhausted all the options and still can't figure out what's wrong with your air conditioning, take it to a professional. You may need to replace parts that are damaged or worn out or have a leak in the system. A professional can determine the problem and fix it. You can schedule a service with our appointment center to repair your air conditioner! Contact us for more information.