Air Conditioning (AC) System, General Instructions

Air conditioning (AC) system, general instructions

General
Any leakage must be repaired immediately in order to prevent moisture entering the system.

Ensure the work area is kept dry and clean. Moisture and dirt will reduce the efficiency of the air conditioning (A/C) system.

Store compressor oil in a sealed container (compressor oil absorbs water).

When working on A/C systems, for example when replacing components, open ends must always be plugged immediately after undoing pipe or hose connections. When installing new components, leave the protective plugs in the holes until the component is actually needed. If dirt may have entered any component it must be inspected and cleaned.

If the car has been damaged in a collision it is important that every component in the system is inspected. Special attention must be paid to brazed joints. Cracked or deformed components must not be repaired.

Desiccant in the air receiver/dryer
The dryer must be replaced when repairing a major leak or replacing a component, or if moisture is suspected to have entered the system. The unit need not be replaced more often than on every third occasion if only minor work is carried out under favorable conditions. Favorable conditions are defined, for example, as a slow leak (over 24 hours) which is repaired immediately. When installing new components in a one-year-old car the receiver need not be replaced.

CAUTION: To avoid corrosion, the system must be filled immediately after installation.

If the car has been left standing for more than 24 hours without refrigerant in the system, the system must be flushed twice with approximately 200 grams of refrigerant. Between the two flushing operations, pump the system completely empty for at least 10 minutes.

NOTE: Return used refrigerant to the supplier who is responsible for safe disposal of environmentally harmful substances.

Fluorescent tracing agent, production/after market

Fluorescent tracing agent, production
Volvo has introduced a fluorescent tracing agent into production.

The tracing agent is impregnated in a free standing "Dry-Water" cylindrical filter in the drying agent in the dryer.

The tracing agent dissolves and mixes with the compressor oil in the climate control system. The tracing agent is light green in color. It is used to identify any leakage in the climate control system. If an UV lamp is used, it is easier to see where the fluorescent tracing agent is leaking out.

The receiver drier is supplied without tracing agent for aftermarket orders.

For information about filling and leak tracing using fluorescent tracing agent, see Refrigerant, Draining.

Fluorescent tracing agent, aftermarket
Volvo has introduced a fluorescent tracing agent for aftermarket use.

Facts about the tracing agent
- The tracing agent is in liquid form. It is mixed with the A/C compressor oil in the climate control system
- The tracing agent is light green in color. It is used to identify any leakage in the climate control system
- If an UV lamp is used, it is easier to see where the fluorescent tracing agent is leaking out.