Volvo: V70 A/C quits when wet, volvo v70 t5, volvo dealer

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 Volvo V70 T5.  Whenever my engine compartment gets wet, my A/C quits.  No fault codes are indicated.  Others hate the drought..it's kept me cool.  when I drive through rain, my A/C quits for days until it dries out.  It doesn't quit right away. It will work fine until I shut it off, then won't work again.  Blower blows, compressor won't kick in.  Wait a couple of days and works fine again. Dealer wanted to replace compressor for $1600.  I told them to FO because compressor works fine if you jump the relay, so it has to be a control issue.

ANSWER: Cary,
As the compressors get older the clutch gap also expands. With the dampness most likely the A/C clutch is not able to lock in because of the clutch gap and dampness. As long as the A/C being out for a day or two does not bother you, you can live with it until the clutch gap is so great it will stop working even on dry days.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ray, please re-read my last sentence. It's not a clutch issue. I had the clutch reshimmed last year. If I bypass the relay with a jumper the clutch kicks in and the AC works strong. IT MUST BE A CONTROL CIRCUIT ISSUE.  I also replaced the whole control unit as a preemptive strike. I Got one on Ebay and had the Volvo dealer swap it out.

Answer
Cary,
So then you have tested and confirmed there is not any power to the compressor, right? Or is there is power say the 10.5 volts that it takes to operate the clutch, but because of the clutch gap it can not engage? You supply 12 volts and it works. Now is it a lack of power or no power condition you have? No power look into the control head, or the temp sensor on the compressor.