Why is the AC not working in my Volvo XC60?

Owning a Volvo XC60 feels like a dream come true, but once its AC system starts acting up by blowing warm air or no air at all instead of chilled and refreshing air, it can mess up the overall road time experience, frustrating you at the end of the day. But what’s the reason behind this? Well, there can be several common issues like low refrigerant level, dirty cabin air filter, faulty AC compressor, etc, that prevent your car’s AC system from operating properly. Thus, here is the breakdown explaining why the AC seems less efficient than before and what can you do about it to get everything back on track.

1. Insufficient refrigerant level

The refrigerant acts as the coolant of the AC system, which is responsible for producing the fresh airflow you need. However, due to aging, the system starts developing tiny leaks through which the refrigerant escapes, minimizing its level. So, dropping the refrigerant level is one of the most common causes that triggers potential AC troubles. Moreover, you can also hear a loud and strange hissing noise coming out of the AC lines. Since the AC system is a complex vehicle component, dealing with it on your own is not recommended. Thus, you must visit the nearest Volvo service center and seek professional assistance to refill the tank with more refrigerant post finding and sealing the leaks. If in case of multiple leaks, the expert must replace the faulty component with a new, high-quality part suitable for your Volvo XC60.

2. Obstructed or dirty cabin air filter

Your Volvo XC60 is equipped with a cabin air filter whose key function is to filter the air before it enters your car’s cabin. But over time, the dust, dirt, and debris get deposited on the filter and clog it, restricting optimal airflow. You may observe diminished airflow from the vents, or the air temperature might not be as cool as desired. Fortunately, removing the blocked filter and installing a new one is a straightforward and affordable fix. You can also replace it on your own if you have the basic repair knowledge and the handy tools. If you want to sort it out at home, don’t forget to refer to the manufacturer’s manual while performing this. But if you are not comfortable with this, consult with a skilled technician to clean or replace the filter quickly to get back the cold air of the AC.

3. Defective AC compressor

Just like your heart circulates blood, the compressor circulates refrigerant throughout the AC system, enabling the air to cool. So, with a malfunctioning compressor, the AC won’t be able to cool your car cabin. If you could hear a clicking or knocking sound while turning on the AC, the faulty compressor might be the culprit. Plus, no matter how low you set the temperature, hot air comes out of the vents, which is another red flag. In some cases, electrical faults can stop the compressor from functioning, though aging parts can also be a factor. To fix any of the above defects, you must hire a trusted mechanic for precise diagnosis and replacement of the faulty parts.

4. Cracked broken AC blower motor

A damaged blower motor could be the cause if no air comes out of the vents despite the AC running. It usually pushes air through the vents but eventually, it may wear out due to aging or blocked due to built-up dust and debris. You may also hear loud and abnormal noises from the dashboard, or airflow could feel weaker than usual. Moreover, the worst part is sometimes, it just stops functioning all at once. Well, swapping out a defective blower motor isn’t too tricky, but it requires some expertise. Thus, get a specialist to spot the exact issue and replace it with a new part if needed.

Conclusion

When your Volvo XC60’s AC gives up, driving in the heat can be miserable. But as you can see, there are many potential factors that impact the AC system. Some of them are minor causes like blocked cabin air filters, which can be treated at home, whereas the others are as tough as compressor failure or refrigerant leak that need expert assistance. The trick is to detect the issue early before it escalates. After all, your Volvo XC60 needs the best care.

Highlands Automotive is one of the most sought-after automotive repair & maintenance facilities in Highlands, North Carolina. We are a family-owned and operated auto repair shop with a team of certified & experienced technicians.