electronic climate control problem

[flinflon]

On a recent trip to France the air condtioner broke down. My local Halfords told me that air conditioners should be serviced every 2 years. Does the normal Volvo maintenance service include this. I can't find anything in the car's service book.

If a new conditioner is needed what cost am I looking at (assuming I go to Volvo dealer)

[Thehood]

Originally Posted by flinflon

On a recent trip to France the air condtioner broke down. My local Halfords told me that air conditioners should be serviced every 2 years. Does the normal Volvo maintenance service include this. I can't find anything in the car's service book.

If a new conditioner is needed what cost am I looking at (assuming I go to Volvo dealer)

The system is not simply a conditioner it is comprised of various components compressor /evaporator/condenser ETC and the associated pipe work , could be simply a recharge is reqd due to natural wastage of the gas loads of info on the net how to trouble shoot . Don't take it to volvo find a decent air con specialist to troubleshoot the system

[GrantA]

The most common problem with air-conns failing is, believe it or not, lack of use. The seals in the compressor harden through lack of use and when you switch it on, to go on holiday, it fails because the gas has leaked out. As Thehood says take it to an air-conn specialist where they will do a vacuum test and if the system doesn't hold the vacuum for a set period they may do a pressure test with a fluorescent marked gas and will try and find the leak for you followed by an estimate for repair. If it holds the vacuum on the initial test they will refill it and off you go.

Cost of the test varies depending how far they go, about £50 for a basic test and that goes up to about £80 for a refill if all is well. (Costs based on my experience about 4 years ago.) Just noticed this http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/half...master-1299266 but it is a year old, worth looking around for a specialist air-conn firm as Thehood said, defo not Volvo as I believe it will be mega expensive.

[flinflon]

Thanks for prompt replies. I use the car once a month for load lugging to and from France. Therefore the ecc used for about 7 days per month.

I agree Volvo dealers are expensive, even for basics such as tyres.

[Paul Wildsmith]

you don't say which car you have. I would leave the aircon (actually climate control) on all the time. The wife's 2003 model C70 aircon is working fine with no attention during its life time.

[flinflon]

Car is v70 2.4D first reg may 2008. ecc was changed April 2011 under warranty because of noise/rattle emanating from behind the centre air ducts. If I were a cynic I'd say the dealer needed some workshop biz and I turned up with minor but irritating problem which gave good excuse.

Of course because the work was done under warranty there was no gtee once 3rd year was up ie may 2011.

My wife says such cynicism will ruin my enjoyment of the car.

[Thehood]

GrantA is spot on use the air con as often as poss I never switch mine off just let it get on with its job of controlling the selected temp whether its mid summer or mid winter

[Thehood]

GrantA is spot on use the air con as often as poss I never switch mine of just let it get on with its job of controlling the selected temp whether its mid summer or mid winte
Another common failing used to be compressor clutch air gap once it goes out of limits te compressor will not come on line when demanded , they can be reshimmed easly enough ......however I'm sure the main dealer would not tell you that...