Volvo C30 A/C Compressor Fix 

Tiffany Welling yes, I just used my electric drill/driver, but you should be able to purchase one that just functions like a screwdriver for a few dollars at Home Depot.

@@mrkuswelb ok thank you!

the zipties are the upgrade

uberbeans I am not a mechanic, but that is very similar to the situation I had. When the system tries to turn the compressor on, the clutch cannot engage if the gap is too large. Putting the ties in decreases the gap. Just make sure that you don’t make the gap too small or the compressor will never shut off.

There is in the cars manual if you read about the A/C that it turns off after full throttle. I think it is then off for 15 min.

@@KjellKarlsson1 oh really? Do you know why is that?

@@Webrisernl No, no idea at all. But maybe something with overheating or something?

​@KjellKarlsson1 15min no way. It should only be for a few seconds then turn back on. Most modern cars do this.

This is actually to decrease the clutch gap, but essentially, yes.

Still working great, but of course I didn't run it much over the winter time. I did double-check several times to make sure that the compressor would cycle on and off since I had heard that this fix may cause it to stay on all the time and burn it out, it cycles as expected. I am not too concerned with them coming off since I used the zip ties and locked them shut plus you really have to wedge them in. Even if they were to come loose, I don't think there is much in the general vicinity that they could damage.

185,000+ miles - I would not attempt to replace the compressor on my own since I do not own the proper equipment to evacuate and properly recharge the refrigerant.

Mark Barnes I just bought an 09 C30 with 88k miles. The previous owner took really good care of it but I'm wondering if there are any major issues to anticipate. I know you're working on the a.c. now but 188k seems pretty reasonable for that kind of maintenance. Any big issue along the way?

I have had no major issues. Congrats, I hope you enjoy it.

The zip ties are just a shim to decrease the clutch gap. I just recorded it on my phone, sorry I was unable to show the actual process of placing the ties.