Air Conditioning problem
1992 Volvo 940 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 145000 miles
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I was told that I have a short in the compressor that is causing the 30amp fuse to blow - I can run the fan on lower speed without blowing fuse - does that sound correct? Also I need to recharge - the owner's manual says to use "Volvo refrigerant" - Can is use R134A and do myslef - have done my other vehicles.

Also I was told you cannot turn the rotors on a Volvo when you replace the brake pads - they have to be replaced - is that true? Can you just replace the brake pads without turning the rotors - I know it will not be smooth braking - but can you take this approach - the rotors are fairly expensive. We only drive this car about 6K miles a year.

Thank you.

Hi jayco26foot,

Thak you for the donation.

If there is any shorting in the compressor, you cannot control its running speed. You can only control the blower speed. When fuse keeps blowing, you need to check the cause and rectify it, sometimes is it due to bad connections and can heat up badly which can turn into a fire hazard.

R134A is of the correct spec so I don't see why it cannot be used.

To reface or replace rotors depends on the braking efficiency required. I don't believe everybody dirvies around with new rotors each and every time brake pads are replaced. I have replaced my vehicle brake pads at least 5 times but never did I once replace the rotors.

Thank you for clearing up the question with the short and the coolant type. A local established Volvo repair shop advised me of the short and said that the compressor had to be repalced - due to the age of the vehicle they agreed it did not make $$ sense to pay for new compressor. He was not alarmed about a potential of a fire, based on what he found at the time - but if it continues - I will take your advice and pursue further or have it inspected by another person familiar with Volvos.

With regard to the rotors, can I assume they can be turned? If not, if new pads are installed - then the worst case senario is that it will have rough braking - the slight groves in the rotor will not make the barkes not operate properly in normal city traffic? (Assumimg there are no other issues with the braking system.) My main concern is that if I replace the pads, I am very willing to have vibration on braking - as long as it is not unsafe. The vibration at present is not that pronounced and has worked for several years - approx 20K miles. The pads are getting thin at this point. Please confirm if you see any safety issues and if you think they can be turned.

Hi jayco26foot,

Should not be much of a safety concern but you should bear in mind that the efficiency of the brakes is not going to be 100 % of what it is capable of.

Replacing the pads would do, not necessary to reface rotors if you can live with it.