Speedy Auto > Auto FAQ > Cars > Volvo

Volvo: A/C Recharge on S80 T6, engine compartment, t6


Question
Hi Ray,
I just purchased my first Volvo-1999 S80 T6.  I am very happy with it so far, but after doing some homework post-purchase, it seems that I may be headed for some issues down the road.  For starters, my A/C compressor is cycling frequently and being a DIY'er, I want to recharge it myself.  Per VADIS, it needs to be recharded on the HIGH side, near the radiator.  This makes absolutely no sense to me.  Is this possible?  Can I recharge it on the low side?  Thank you in advance.

Answer
Nathan,
Yes a machine that can charge through the high side will need to be used.
Important information about filling with refrigerant

Note! Refrigerant must only be filled via the service valve (TXV system) on the high pressure (HP) side.

Hint: A specification decal in the engine compartment lists the refrigerant capacity of the air conditioning (A/C) system.

Note! The most common cause of failed filling on the high pressure side is incorrect vacuum pumping or because the pressure in the filling unit is not high enough, or a combination of these two.

Note! The filling unit should preferably have a heating unit for refrigerant. This is so that the pressure in the filling unit is higher than in the system that is to be filled.

Note! When filling with refrigerant, compensate for the volume in the filling hoses before closing the filler valve.