P3 - Air Conditioning unusual constant 'whining' noise.
Our 2014 XC60 D4 AWD has been making an unusual loud whining noise only when the AC was on, sounding like a bearing on it's way out or like the annoying electric power steering on the Minis - we feared it was the compressor.
Google was king and resulted in finding a Technical Service Bulletin for Volvo Cars North America relating to a modified AC pipe. Spoke to Volvo and they said they had never heard of this complaint and expected it to be the compressor rather than a pipe (which made perfect sense tbf)....decided to go with the AC pipe as a starting point and work upwards.
The air conditioning pipe is the Low Pressure return flexi to the compressor, literally 10 minutes to install.
Pipe ordered, refrigerant recovered, pipe fitted and regassed. FIXED...no more annoying 'whinnnning'.
How many I wonder have made a similar complaint and ended up replacing the compressor for £££$$$. AC pipe was £130 and is a modified part.
Not sure how this new pipe prevents the annoying sound, the original wasn't fouling any of the bodywork or mountings....very strange.
Technical Journal 29474
DESCRIPTION:
Unusual noise described as a drilling noise may be audible from the AC system when the AC compressor is engaged, most frequent during idle or low speed driving and ambient temperature range 59-86 degrees.
PRODUCT MODIFICATION:
New AC pipe with integrated muffler has been introduced at the factories from 2014w26 for 5cyl and 6 cyl engines. New part number was added for -2013w20 5cyl engines and if this noise is present,
do not replace the AC compressor or TXV valve.
Note:
This hose was introduced in the 4 cyl engine 2013w46.
In case of customer complaints, install the new AC pipe with muffler according to VIDA.
P/N31436536 5cyl engines
P/N31407977 5cyl engines -2013w20
P/N31436537 6cyl engines
Hope this helps/saves someone mistakingly replacing the expensive AC compressor along with belts etc when the issue is the ac pipe.