Volvo Repair: 1997 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon A/C, volvo 850 glt, volvo 850

Question
A/C does not work on 1997 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon. Blows hot air, never
cool, continually cycles on and off, I have charged the system and it
still does not work fully charged.  Bought this car new and it has only
been a headache, I thought Volvo's were suppose to be dependable. Sorry
for the ranting, anyway, do you have any ideas?  A simple $20 switch or a
$2000 evaporator?

Answer
Brad, since I dont know the history of the car, let me start by saying that you have one of the better Volvos.  The 850 is a great car but does have its quirks.  Evaporators are a common thing and its not $2000, its more like $985 plus tax at my shop.  The system may also be over charged.  That system only holds 1.6 LB.  Other issues Im sure you have had were Brakes and ABS modules.  The only true Volvo that had hardly any issues was the 240.  I would start with the switch since its constantly cyling.  Roger