Volvo-Forums.com -> General Volvo Non-Model Specific Discussion

The excerpts below have been derived from
http://www.obdii.com/obdii.html

What is OBD-II?

On-Board Diagnostic systems are in most cars and light trucks on the road today. During the '70s and early 1980's manufacturers started using electronic means to control engine functions and diagnose engine problems. This was primarily to meet EPA emission standards. Through the years on-board diagnostic systems have become more sophisticated. OBD-II, a new standard introduced in the mid-'90s, provides almost complete engine control and also monitors parts of the chassis, body and accessory devices, as well as the diagnostic control network of the car.

http://www.obdii.com/dtcanatomy.html

http://www.obdii.com/dtctypes.html

... hey guys!

I noticed some of us have not updated their entries in the Garage for sometime now.
As i understood it, the Garage section HERE, in THIS forum, is NOT meant only for performance modifications. Instead its for ANYTHING different that you've done to your vehicle/s. (This forum is not even meant for pure performance reasons anyway...There are many others for that, on the Net...)

As such, dont be shy to update the entries there, no matter how small you think the addition is.

It's just a way to share with the rest of the world what you've done to your rides. That's all.

So, take a photo of each mod you've done, and upload them for the rest of the world to share!

Cheers, and PEACE!

------------------------

Things to checkout before buying a used car
Derived from the debate/ideas grounds of VOCM (www.vocm.com.my) Forums
First contributor: Agus Vol940 of VOCM
Contributed, compiled, edited and added over time by: ampangbear

In the case that a fully able mechanic could not assist you, then try the following guidelines:

1. Look at the underneath or under carriage at the engine section , watch carefully. If there is a wet oil trace from engine block to pan oil sump ... then avoid the car.

2. Check the engine oil level and conditions by drawing the dipstick oil . If you find that there is an oil sludge sticked to the dipstick between min-max indicating level, means that the car doesn't have a good maintenance practice.

3. Open the oil filler cap . Watch carefully (use flashlight) to the internal components, it should be clean from sludge . If heavy sludge present, then avoid the car.

4. Check the air conditioning system . Start the engine, then switch on the A/C, try to check all the position of A/C control switch - knob - button.

5. Check the steering systems . From stop condition, turn the steering wheel to the maximum right, then move the car. Same procedure to maximum left. If there sounds generated by this activity is rather too loud, then avoid the car. Also check the power-steering tank for leaks, especially at the bracer hose (the hose with the metal U-shaped hose) right in front and below the PS tank.

6. Check for any leakage of engine cooling system . Start the engine at idle speed up to the operating temperature. Open the hood and watch carefully for the leakage of the cooling systems. If you have bypassed the heater-core (a wise thing to do if you are in a HOT country and may never seem to have any real use for it), check the bypass hose. Typically, get a U-hose for the Volvo 940 model. Its actually for oil, but it would last many years if you use it for water/coolant like this.

7. Checking the worn out piston rings . Start the engine at idle speed for about 10 minutes. Try to get a person (or owner) to help you to increase the engine speed up to 4000 RPM while you stay at the back of the car, then release the pedal gas. Watch the gas color out from the tail pipe. If there is Black or Blue Smoke coming out , then avoid the car.

8. Test Driving .

a. Check the gear engagement first for all positions (P-R-N-D- etc etc). If takes longer time to engage, avoid the car.

b. Check the stall speed . Under full load, the stall speed is between 2500 to 3000 RPM.

c. Move the car gently to 60 km/h (20% Open Throttle). Then press the pedal gas to 50%, the gear shall be shifted-down from 4th to 3rd, continue to press the pedal gas to 90%, the gear shall be shifted down from 3rd to 2nd and the car continue to accelerate - and shift-up according to the transmission control unit program at 90% Open Throttle.

If everything OK then you may consider the car.

------------------------------------

In a bid to improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance Volvo will bdegin fitting two new gasoline turbocharged direct-injection (GTDi) engines in two of its cars later this year. Both a turbocharged 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder will be offered for the new S60 and V60 wagon.

The 1.6-liter GTDi T3 makes 148-hp with as much as 177 ft-lbs of torque. As for the T4 powerplant, it will produce 177-hp and 177 ft-lbs, with an overboost function that delivers up to 199 ft-lbs of torque. Both engines will be made entirely from aluminum to minimize weight.

Volvo expects the new engines to cut fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 20 percent.

The new engines will be fitted exclusively to the S60 and V60 models at first and there's no word on if Volvo plans to offer either in North America. And as unlikely as it is, the T4 engine could see use in the S60 here, or perhaps in the next generation S40.

We expect Volvo to make an announcement of the new powerplants when it officially unveils the new V60 at the Paris Auto Show.

More: Volvo to Unveil New T3, T4 Direct-Injection Engines at Paris Auto Show on AutoGuide.com

In his first press conference as the newly appointed CEO of Volvo, Stefan Jacoby gave a vague outline of where he intends to take the company. Top on Jacoby's list are improving Volvo's emotional appeal and looking for ways to work with suppliers and other automakers in the industry.

Jacoby joins Volvo after heading-up VW's North American division, looking to steer the Swedish automaker to profit under the new ownership of China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., after several years of consecutive losses under Ford.

"Volvo stands for safety, solidity and reliability but the emotional positioning of the brand is not sharp enough," said Jacoby in a press conference Wednesday. No details of how Volvo would create more emotion were given, but over the past few years Volvo has made a push to be more innovative in its designs. Rumors point towards a new flagship luxury sedan to compete with the BMW 7 Series. Other possibilities include going the sports car route.

Making partnerships in the industry will also be a part of Volvo's mandate, as the ability for smaller automakers like Volvo to compete on a larger scale is becoming increasingly difficult. Jacoby highlighted the company's small size as a benefit, saying that because it's nimble it can act quickly. He also said Volvo would look to partner with other automakers on projects and find economies of scale in the process.

The larger plan for Volvo, as laid out by Geely, will see the Swedish automaker double production thanks to a plan in China, while its operations in Europe will continue serving the rest of the global marketplace.

Last year Volvo moved 334,808, down from an all-time high of 458,323 units in 2007. Jacoby did say that while Volvo hasn't turned a profit since 2005, it was profitable in the last two quarters under Ford.

More: Volvo to Build More Emotional Vehicles, May Partner With Rivals Says New CEO on AutoGuide.com

I disconnected the radio/tape deck of my 1995 850-T5 a while back after it stopped working (I'd like to replace it with the CD model). I came back to it recently and found the arial cable and the smaller of the 2 connectors that fit into the back of the radio.
I thought there were 2 connectors, had a good look around the central unit, took sides off but can't find anything. Could someone put my mind at rest and confirm whether the SC800 has 2 connectors and, if so, where I'm likely to find the larger one, cos it sure aint near the radio!
Also does anyone know how many connectors a volvo 850 cd player sound system radio needs. I'm not keen on getting one and finding I'm a connector short.
Regards

In general, I am waaaay too cheap to go to the dealer and buy the parts I need for my 13 year old car. I'd rather buy used parts. Back in the day I would visit junkyards and find parts, but I don't have time for that sort of nonsense now.

Can anyone recommend an online source for quality used parts for Volvos?
Seriously.

I used vandsautodismantlers.com to get a replacement tailgate latch. Instead of paying $145 at the dealer I paid $50 for a used part. sure, I could have got it for $15 at a local yard but it would have cost me a couple hours driving and searching. I called around and they all said, "I don't know, come have a look. We're open Thursday from eleven to eleven-fifteen." It just isn't convenient. The part I got looks good, almost new. I am now inquiring with them for the tailgate handle, and some other parts (cracked lens, headlight wiper, radio upgrade, etc). It's a holiday weekend so they haven't got back to me yet. I have no affiliation with vandsautodismantlers, I just used them once and came away satisfied. I had one good experience, and I'll let ya know on the next one.

Anyone else have any recommendations? there are tons of other little things I would like to fix but need a convenient source for good, cheap parts.

There are a bunch of used parts for sale on ebay. any recommendations?
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ACURA shocks and struts
ACURA quick strut
MAZDA shocks and struts

Just curious, I am obviously new to these forums and here to look for service advise because I can't afford a dealer keep my car on the road. I bought it (2001 V70) off lease in 2007 with only 60,000 kms and got rid of my 2004 Altima with 135,000 kms for it but it has been, for me anyway, the biggest lemon/money pit/electronic nightmare I have ever owned. At only 65,000 kms it needed all new sway bars, tie rods, links etc. to the extent that Volvo deemed it "un-safe to drive" At only 70,000 kms the steering rack went, only another $3000.00. I see there are thousands of posts here with repair issues but I'm curious to see if the majority of Volvo owners are actually happy with them. Thank you. P.S I have already found this forum extremely helpful.

The Guinness Book of Records holder for most miles driven by a single owner in a passenger car is setting his sights on passing 3 million miles in his 1966 Volvo P1800 as he approaches his 70th birthday.

Irv Gordon, a retired science teacher from New York state, broke the record in 1998 by driving 1.69 million miles. Gordon had a 125 mile commute and was maintained his vehicle relentlessly. Most of the components, including the engine, are all original.

"Three million miles by my 73nd birthday sounds right," Gordon said. "But, whether I reach that mark is more up to me than it is the car. The car's parts have long proven they can take it, but I'm not so sure about my own. Either way, it will be a fantastic testament to the engineering genius of Volvo as well as to the resiliency of folks my age.

Gordon wants to ensure he hits 3 million miles to ensure that his record remains unbroken long after he's gone. "Three million miles is an iron clad number that I'd like to think sits right up there with DiMaggio's consecutive game hitting streak. Who's going to beat that? No one."

More: Volvo Owners Aims For 3 Million Miles In 1966 Volvo P1800 on AutoGuide.com

Hey guys,

It's been some time since we have offered up to 15% off parts at FCP Groton and FCP Import, but the time has come and we are pleased to announce the start of our Summer Sale! 15% usually happens only once a year!

FCP Groton specializes in European replacement parts and FCP Import is our newly launched website specializing in Asian Import models. Available at both FCP Groton and FCP Import, customers get 15% off orders over $399 and 10% off orders over $99*. ALL orders over $99 get free UPS Ground shipping. This is a LIMITED-TIME OFFER that expires on midnight, July 31st! If you've been on the fence about ordering much-needed parts for your car, NOW is the time to take advantage of our exclusive offer!

To use this exclusive offer, simply use coupon code july10 on your orders over $99 and july15 on your orders over $399! Save Big on top brands!

New products you might be interested in:

FCP Groton (Volvo, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche, Jaguar, Saab)

Lemforder Suspension for BMW Models

Meyle Suspension for BMW Models

Volvo Tools (Caliper Bolt Set, Sockets, Torx socket, Strut Tool & More)

OEM Valeo Wiper Blades for all European Applications

Mann Air and Oil Filters for European Applications

A/C Compressors and Condensers for BMW Applications

Bando Timing Belts for Volkswagen and Audi Applications

Pentosin Fluids for European Applications

Silicone Performance Hoses for Volvo 850 S70 V70 Models

DSS Axles for European Applications

ABS Speed Sensors for European Applications

FCP Import (Asian Import Vehicles - Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Acura, Subaru, Infiniti & More!)

CYCLO Car Care Products

Bosch Starters and Alternators All Asian Applications

Asian Import 8, 10, and 12 piece comprehensive suspension kits for All Asian Applications

Bosal Exhaust for All Asian Applications

Flennor Belts for Asian Applications

Royalty Drilled and Slotted Brake Discs All Asian Applications

Akebono ACT Ceramic Brake Pads for All Asian Applications

We have access to almost anything and everything, so if you don't see what you are looking for on either of the websites, don't hesitate to call 877-634-0063 and speak to one of our representatives or email inquiries to sales@fcpgroton.com.

We are always striving to improve our customers service and our products, so any questions, comments or concerns (negative or positive), feel free to let us know.

Hey all.

My first Volvo was the family's 1984 240DL. She was a beast and a half. The engine ran great with some tinkering and maintenance and she treated us well all 25 years. I recently sold the 1984 when impending transmission issues were on the rise and picked up a 78 BMW 3 series.

I've had my fun tinkering on cars, and I love my BMW, but I want something newer and more reliable. I'm looking at Volvos again but I'm not sold. Are the newer Volvos (2002+) pretty reliable? I was looking at s60s, maybe even s40. I want a daily driver that gets reasonable gas mileage where I don't have to get under the hood every weekend. The absolute cut off is $12000, but I think I'd be happier if I could spend around 8k. Can anyone help? Also, where's a good place to find a used volvo? craigslist and ebay is sliiiim pickings.

I know you guys get these 3x a day, but I've read over the more recent ones and havent found any that fit my checklist.

China's Geely is planning on moving 150,000 Volvos in China by 2015, a prediction that could very well come true in the world's largest car market.

According to reports, Geely will manufacture the Volvo XC60 and S60 in China by 2011, while discontinuing production the S40 compact sedan at its Chinese factories. Geely will establish an all-new plant to help meet its sales targets, but the company has yet to announce a location for the factory. Geely purchased Volvo for $1.8 billion in March, making it the largest automotive acquisition by a Chinese company.

More: Report: Geely Plans To Sell 150,000 Volvos In China By 2015 on AutoGuide.com

Hi! I know there have been lots of questions about how to care for the leather seats in volvo's but I wasn't able to find anyone with the problem that I am having.

I have a 2006 S40 with black/charcoal leather seats and I took my car to get leather treatment last week. when the treatment dried up my seats were dull looking with like a white residue on them. I went back to the guy that did the service and he told me he had never seen anything like that before he said he used Meguire's and that is the only product he uses. The weird thing is that the headrests and the back of the front sests did not have that residue on them... what can I do to make my seats look normal again? or are they ruined???

i had put leather conditioner on myself twice using Meguires wipes and this had never happened.

File this one under unintentional hilarity. Volvo announced today that they were recalling 2010-2011 C30, S40 and V50 models equipped with manual transmissions. As you might expect, the number is fairly low, but we squealed with delight when we found out that the number was in the triple digits – 536 cars to be exact.

According to Volvo, a gearshift lever stud could come loose, preventing owners from changing gears. Dealers will fix the problem free of charge, but based on the number of manual Volvos in existence, they will likely have better odds of being struck by lightning than fixing the aforementioned problem.

More: Volvo Recalls C30, V40, S50 With Manual Transmissions, Less Than 550 Cars Recalled on AutoGuide.com

K-Pax Racing, which runs the successful Volvo S60 team in the World Challenge GT series, is working with the Swedish automaker to offer a line of Volvo performance parts. The parts will be offered exclusively through certified Volvo dealers in both the U.S. and Canada, according to K-Pax Performance Cars president Peter Nielsen. Nielsen spoke with AutoGuide track-side at Mosport International Raceway where the team is competing in two races this weekend.

As exciting as this is for performance-minded Volvo owners, the best news is not just that the parts will be sold and installed by Volvo dealers, but that they will not void the factory warranty.

According to Nielsen the company will initially offer parts for the C30 as well as the new S60 model – with plans to expand beyond that depending upon customer feedback. The parts won't just be limited to add-on spoilers and shift-knobs either. Instead, it will include intake and exhaust systems as well as upgraded suspension components. K-Pax has already built a modified C30 using its full performance package for that car, bumping horsepower from 227-hp to 300-hp – although this kit is likely to be detuned slightly to 280-hp when it hits the market.

If all goes as planned, K-Pax intends to offer the first parts for the C30 model this Fall.

More: Volvo and K-Pax to Offer Dealer Installed and Warranteed Performance Parts Line on AutoGuide.com

I have borght a VCT2000 over ebay. And need some help to do the setup.

I have a V40 from 2000 1.8.
The VADIS program was with the VCT2000.
It's installed and are working great.
I have set the com#1 port to 19200 baud.
When I start up the VADIS it says that "new update of the VCT2000 available.
I'll select next and the VCT2000 starts the update and completes after aprox 5-7 minutes with no problem.
When I try to connect to the car using VADIS it says" car not communicating"
Well, I know the VCT2000 works, because I was able to update it with VADIS
What can be wrong ??

I have tried to run the VCT2000 update program, where I can choose between VCT2000-VADIS, and VCT for S/V40.
I have tried boath with no luck.

I am getting a little frustrated that I have payed a lot of money for a original tool, and can't get it to communicate with my car...

Can anyone help me.

Besr regards,

Are you in the market for a new Volvo and want to get the best price on your new car. Learn everything you need to know today from the “Dealer Negotiation Secrets and Tricks” email available for free. There are many issues that are discussed such as dealer holdback, what negotiation tactics the dealers use and how to overcome them, how to purchase your new Volvo below invoice, and so many more topics. The email walks you through everything you need to know when purchasing your new car, show you all of the ways the dealer will make money off of your sale, and give you a very strong negotiation tool. Simply print off the email and bring it into the dealer and you will not have a strong negotiation tool than that. If you are in the market for a new Volvo, then this is some must read information and it is free. Check out the site below:
newvolvoincentives.com

It’s been a long time I’ve been tempted to mod/ upgrade the performance of my car but I’m not sure it’s the smart decision for my situation.
What triggers my request to the group is that Viva performance is coming out with a new RICA iSoftloader with a pretty good introductory price (about $800) that makes me think maybe it’s the time.

Pros:
- Affordable software tune
- Better gas mileage
- Added fun to a car I still very much enjoy driving after 5 years of ownership.
- I’d be happy to boost the power of this T5 engine. The T5 engine is nice but sometime I feel under powered due the car curb weight.
- I’ve done some wheels and audio upgrade so I don’t see this as a waste of money.

Cons:
- This car must last me for another 5 to 7 years and I’m concerned of mods affecting the longevity of the car especially as it relates to the engine.
- If I go down this path I feel I’ll have to at least upgrade my intake, exhaust, and lower the car. I love this car and take great care of it but at the same time I’m not a hardcore mod activist or by far a street racer and I’m not sure I can justify financially all these other mods on top compare to other house financial responsibilities.
- I don’t know if this would affect my insurance and what I’ll have to do there.
- We’ll need to replace our second car in two years which I supposedly could do better then, though I know how it goes.

I’m hoping some others have had this dilemma so any suggestion would be much appreciated… Thanks

Greg

Volvo has decided to axe the V70 wagon model from its product lineup in North America. The news comes as a result of a leaked dealer document obtained by Autoblog. The decision was reportedly made as sales of the XC60 and XC90 have stolen buyers at either end and so offering the V70 just didn't make sense any more. As a way to keep V70 lovers coming back to Volvo, the Swedish automaker has decided to offer a front-drive version of the XC70 wagon (essentially a lifted V70) starting in 2011.

Other product changes to the Volvo lineup include the elimination of a V8-powered S80 model. Instead, the T6 version will be bumped-up to 300-hp and 325 ft-lbs of torque. The result will be just 11 fewer horsepower, but a significant gain in fuel economy.

Also on the chopping block are the low-output versions of the S40 and V50 models. For 2011 the entry-level 168-hp 2.4-liter has been cut, meaning both models will now be offered exclusively with the more powerful T5 engine with its 227-hp. In addition, Volvo has made the decision to no longer offer either all-wheel drive or a manual transmission.

More: Volvo Droping V70 and S60 V8 Models in North America on AutoGuide.com

Hello everyone, I recently bought a 1998 S90 with 83,000 miles(and i love it

). I took it in to get looked at by a local mechanic the does only Volvo repairs at the reccomendation of a friend and I want to make sure these prices are about right. Heres what he said needs to be repaired "Now".
1. Power steering pump leaking. Est. $450. will look for a used pump to lower cost.
2. Rear brake rotors are warped and causing pulsation. Est $330 to replace rear rotors and pads.
Then things that need to be soon:
1. Tires rotated $32
2. rear muffler hangers: one broken one split, and recomend removing dust sheilds. $40-$80
3. a/c system cycles on and off too much. May need recharge with dye. $110
4. 80,000 mile service $70
5. Tune up at 90,000 miles $250
6. Transmission mount replace $150

I know imports are more expensive but $450 for a steering pump seems on the steep end. Do these prices seem in the normal range? Also I live much closer to a Volvo dealership then the mechanic. What would an oil change run at the dealer? Thanks

I test drove a new 2010 XC-90 yesterday. While I was driving it the "Check Engine" light was on. I finished my drive around the block and when I got back informed the dealer of the light and told him that seeing a "Check Engine" light lit on a vehicle with 200 miles on it made me a bit nervous to buy a Volvo. His reply was that the car needed a fuse changed. In all of my history with cars and trucks I've never hears of a fuse that would cause the "Check Engine" light to come on. I let it slide yesterday since I didn't have time to discuss this, but is it even possible that a fuse would cause this? I like the XC enough (it will be the wife's so she gets final say) but I don't trust the dealer at all at this point.
Anyone have a take on this? Would a fuse cause a "Check Engine"?
Thanks

3 years ago I leased the XC-70. 2 months from the end of my car lease. Volvo Financial Services a called me yesterday and told me that I have to decide what I am going to do.

1. buy out price $28,200
2. extend my lease for up to 6 months
3. return the car
4. lease another vehicle

I tried to talk to them about financing and they told me to go to the dealer that I bought the car from. They would not deal with me over the phone. After I got out of work I went to the dealership and they told me that my car was in good condition and it appeared that there would not be any additional charges if I returned the car at the end of my lease. They tried to get me to lease a new vehicle and I am trying to rein in my spending right now. I want to lower my monthly payments. If I lease something new, I will spend a lot less than the 625 per month that is coming out of my bank account now.

My car is a great car and I found out that I could buy this car for about 475 per month. I have taken great car of the car. I did all of the service work on my car. I did a search to find out how much the XC-70 was worth:

www.motortrend.com/cars/2007/volvo/xc70/pricing/index.html

After I went home and found out that the residual value which they want me to buy my car for is higher than the retail price.

I am a bit mad at the dealership because I feel they are trying to take advantage of me. Anyone have any advice?

Deciding on interior trim material to use and could use your opinions. Just covered the b pillars by the front seats. Images seem more gray than real life, but it is the 3M Di Noc vinyl(more of a dry carbon, matte, textured appearance). Extremely easy to work with, but vinyl and fake carbon have a fairly decent amount of hatred(negative) as a material choice. Feel free to voice your opinion, but I have not chosen a material yet. My concern is with either the vinyl or real carbon fiber the pattern and or gloss will make an interior too busy. Other choices include an Alcantara suede or Ultraleather, but those are most likely covering the seats. Exterior of the coupe is silver to give you a reference point.

hey all. as we all know, geely has bought volvo, and i was thinking that we, collectively as a forum (besides all the other volvo sites) should introduce ourselves as 1) volvo owners 2)volvo fans 3) as concerned owners and future owners. i think as a whole we can voice our opinions and maybe get geely to bring volvo back as a viable car. hopefully take care of any problems in their future vehicles and maybe build a volvo that will not be laden with problematic electronics and doodads and get back to making a great car that will be 1) fast 2) handle great 3) not cost an arm and a leg 4) not require a phD in quantum physics to change a fuse, let alone checking the oil. i am in the process of contacting the other volvo forums to see what they think of this idea. if any of our members are also members or moderators in other forums, please let them know. it worked with porsche many years ago. it also brought back the mustang and the camaro. it returned honda to the forefront and bmw was b*tchslapped when it tried to mess with the M division. it is up to us to make sure that the new owners of volvo create new vehicles that we might want to purchase new. and none of that b.s. R line crap either. make an R or just drop the moniker. later all, TGM

I have a '91 Volvo 940 Turbo. WHen I start the car it seems like it idles low. There may be a clog somewhere in the exhaust or intake, i'm not sure. In order to keep the car on I have to rev the engine to keep a higher idle otherwise it will shut off. Although, it doesn't happen all the time. Once I get the car moving it doesn't accelerate until it's warmed up. I will push on the gas pedal and not get any power. And then while the car is left on the problem doesn't arrise again but once I turn off the car and turn it back on it happens all over again. Note, this doesn't happen all the time just a few times a month. I am racking my brain trying to figure out what the problem is and am afraid to get raped at a garage. Any ideas? I've been switching parts out and can't seem to find the issue. Also when this problem happens, my spedometer doesn't register. If anyone has any thoughts please don't hesitate to respond. Thank you!

I have a '91 Volvo 940 Turbo. WHen I start the car it seems like it idles low. There may be a clog somewhere in the exhaust or intake, i'm not sure. In order to keep the car on I have to rev the engine to keep a higher idle otherwise it will shut off. Although, it doesn't happen all the time. Once I get the car moving it doesn't accelerate until it's warmed up. I will push on the gas pedal and not get any power. And then while the car is left on the problem doesn't arrise again but once I turn off the car and turn it back on it happens all over again. Note, this doesn't happen all the time just a few times a month. I am racking my brain trying to figure out what the problem is and am afraid to get raped at a garage. Any ideas? I've been switching parts out and can't seem to find the issue. If anyone has any thoughts please don't hesitate to respond. Thank you!

According to a recent report, Ford's sale of Volvo to Chinese automaker Geely could go through as early as February 8th. Ford and Geely have already announced they are working out details of a plan with the latest rumor indicating that the sale could be for as little as $1.6 billion, with a $1.8 billion asking price more likely.

Ford purchased Swedish automaker Volvo back in 1999 for a staggering $6.45 billion, as it looked to create a European luxury division – which also included Aston Martin, Land Rover and Jaguar. A new corporate strategy has seen Ford sell off all but Volvo, a move which has been slowed by the recent economic downturn.

By offloading Volvo, Ford looks to loose almost $5 billion in a decade as it pursues a more focused brand strategy. By offloading its European brands Ford was able to steer clear of bankruptcy court, a move than has instilled consumer confidence in the brand and seen its sales surge while other automakers watched their sales decline.

More: Report: Volvo Sale to Geely Set for February 8th on AutoGuide.com

Held each year in Las Vegas, Nevada, the SEMA Show is an industry event for the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Tuners and parts suppliers from across the industry and even from the realm of motorsports come to show off their wares, usually displayed on some sort of eye-catching highly-modified vehicle - be it a muscle car, hot rod or sport compact car.

And let's not forget the increasing presence of mainstream manufacturers like Hyundai, Scion, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Chrysler and Dodge. Major areas of interest at SEMA include Racing and Performance, Wheels and Tires, as well as Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road vehicles.

More: SEMA Show Preview 2009 on AutoGuide.com

		Time is now: 2nd September 2010 - 05:38 PM
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