General Volvo Non-Model Specific Discussion

Feature my ride Mark forum as read and return

... 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!

Here is some links to sites for parts and technicial help.
Was not really sure where to put them and finally decided to put them here.

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo240lamps.htm

http://brickstylz.com/

http://www.evolvecars.com/site/index.php?_teb&osCsid=

http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/Volvo_...lvo_V70_ABS.htm

http://www.troublecodes.net/Volvo/

http://brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/ElectricalSRS.htm

http://www.vlvworld.com/indexframe.html?850/Section_6_3.htm

https://www.volvoparts.com/index.asp

http://www.ipdusa.com/

http://www.volvomotorsports.com/volvo1/

http://www2.autopartsauthority.com/parts/a...&&part=Air+Pump

http://eurosporttuning.com/home.htm

http://www.webdiesels.com/volvo.htm

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic60326.htm

http://www.partsgateway.co.uk/

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Engi...nceSymptoms.htm

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/HotS...de.htm#Overview

http://www.quickbrickmotorsports.com/links.html

http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/obd2codes.html

http://www.troublecodes.net/Volvo

http://www.volvotechinfo.com/WD123/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_200_series
[url=http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/]

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/[/url]

http://www.swedishpartswholesale.com/performance/

http://www.247spares.co.uk/
Hopefully these links will help someone!!!

Just got a letter from Volvo NA stating that they are extending the warranty on the ETM to 10 years or 200K miles. They also state that I should schedule a software upgrade with the dealer and enclosed a letter you can mail in if you already have had the ETM repaired. Just thought I'd let everyone know.

P.S. I know this is not an introduction or new member, but I wanted to put it where the most people would see it, not in one of the model specific areas.

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

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

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.





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

I like the FAQs found on these pages. Hope they are also beneficial to everyone else.


Part 1
http://www.kaminskimik.com/p5.htm


Part 2
http://www.kaminskimik.com/p11.htm


Part 3
http://www.kaminskimik.com/p12.htm





Please share if you too, have more.

Hello,

I am wondering if it is possible to find a mechanic that has the OBD II computer that isn't a volvo dealer. All volvo dealers in my area want about $130 just to hook up the computer, that's before any actual work is done. I am trying to avoid this. I have my SRS light on so I do need to get this issue taken care of.

Thanks

General search
http://www.google.com.my/search?client=fir...G=Google+Search


Specific
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081008/eu_sweden_v..._cars_cuts.html

Hey everyone - I'm looking forward to volvo ownership :-) I'm currently on the prowl for a wagon, probably an 80s model. My needs are: carrying stuff and sometimes passengers. Having a nice rear area for our dog. Towing a small utility trailer (I make and deliver rain barrels, and also pick up and repair bicycles).

I also like the idea of the fold-down rear seats, just in case I need to ferry a bunch of friends off somewhere.

My needs have pointed me toward volvo wagons, and i have seen a few listings but I wanted to run my needs by the experts so that I know I'm barking up the right tree...

I'm hoping to get some advice on which wagon models are best as far as reliability. I'm not worried about comfort as much as I am about the ability for the engine to keep "going and going". So functional and safety oriented longevity is important to me - interior "extras" are not :-)

I am hoping to test drive a 1989 760 this week - I have asked the owner about which engine is in it, but I'm really just starting to get into the research.

So far it seems like the most reliable are the 4cyl ones?

Any advice is appreciated!

I am looking in the 1000-1500 range, so I'm expecting to come across some wear and tear service, I just don't want to drive it for a month and have to replace head gaskets etc. I'm also a fan of simple engines with not too much computerized wizardry that can go wrong. I am a bit of a tinkering nerd, but any car I've had so far has been beyond my interest. However a car with an engine that I could work on would probably be rewarding for me. SO if there are any tips on "tinkerer's delight" models, I'm all ears regarding that too :-)

Thanks so much!

Here is a picture of the car I might look at...

Just found this game from Volvo, for the Volvo Ocean Race. Great to see how volvo goes on with the latest video techniques. Anyone under 5 minutes yet?

http://www.volvocars.com/rush

grtz,
willy

I can report 3 this year.

I visit and out of town friend whom I have not seen for a while. She sees me stepping out of my 1999 S80 T6, and looks at me like as if I've just won the lottery and says, "Is this your car?". "I want one."

Around Feb, my mum visits, she sees my Volvo, the same one I've had all these years, and says, "Did you buy a new car?"

Near home, I normally let the car coast down a slope in order to save fuel. This momentarily exceeds the speed limit just a little but not really enough for most police to pull you over for. This time I did get pulled over, the police comes over, looks at my nearly 10 year old car and tells me that he pulled me over because I was going a little fast and because it was such a nice car he wanted to check that it was not stolen. I did not get a ticket.

correct me if i am wrong, but if you are a sponsor on a forum, you would think that there would be products for the members of that forum, right? well logged on to diyautotune.com, that new sponsor that admin was gushing about, and there is nothing for the 850, hell, there isn't anything for volvo there. did a search for 850 and for volvo, no products. now, if the site is for a specific reason, only injectors for example, you would think that there would have been advanced notice to make sure you know what you are looking for. if so, DON'T CALL YOURSELF DIYAUTOTUNE. call yourself, "you had better know what you are looking for instead of wasting your time" tune. i mean , seriously, do you proof these sites first admin?

Hi all.

I'm trying to chase down a T5 of some type so I've joined the forums to investigate things and see if there is a possibility of a trade/swap of my present 1995 Range Rover.

I've owned a 360GLT back in my student days which is still one of my favourite cars, however the Range Rover can't really be compaired to it.

More recently, I owned a 480 Turbo which was fun but needed some refurbishment. It ran well but it needed some rust fixing and also the suspension needed replacing because it was very vague. I sold the 480 when I purchased my Range Rover back in 2004.

Although I love my Range Rover to bits, I need to get a bit more sensible with my old age. I now do slightly more travelling around so it makes sense to have a more efficient and less needy car, but at the same time I don't want it boring.

For the record, the Range Rover is a 1995 model 4.6HSE in Epsom Green, with the darkstone Granite interior. It's been very well serviced, with the engine getting regular oil changes every 4,000 miles. Mechanically, it's very good, and excellent for its age. Lots of parts have been changed as preventitive maintenance. It has been Mark Adams (TVR Tuner) chipped and has a Double S stainless exhaust. The engine is fine. A new unit put in at around 110,000 miles. The car has now done almost 160,000 miles ut is still going strong.

The car would suit a Land Rover fanatic like myself, who has some time on their hands to tinker. It's a very easy car to work on (unlike the later model RR) and is well documented.

Ideally, I'd love to swap it with a C70 T5 which hasn't been played around with too much.

Feel free to email me at richardwillis998@hotmail.com

Sorry it's been a bit of a sales pitch chaps, I'll try putting it in another part of the forums.

Hello to All,

just put my crossbars on my v70 and got a set of four locks. Trouble is I can't figure out how to install them onto the crossbars. I'm sure I'm missing something easy but can't identify it.

Thanks for you assistance,

Rich

After the previous topic here about the previous Volvo high mileage medallions, and the fact that Volvo now only offers window stickers, I thought I would consider making some medallions (or attempting to make some).

As the original types were stamped out and painted, what I will be doing is slightly different. I will be cutting them out on a water jet, which basically creates a 2D object (not raised or embossed medallions as Volvo once did), and they will basically be bare metal or possibly painted/anodized/powder coated.

In order to create something with a little style and class to it (of course to fit a Volvo), I may consider making them out of a couple parts to recreate some color and depth to the items.

After a little bit of searching I have only found 3 decent pictures of original Volvo medallions (100k and 200k), and the two 100k medallions were of different designs. Neither of which, personally, I found that great looking.

So, I thought I would put up a possible call for some artistic types who may be here to design some possible ideas for a nice looking medallion. Any type of picture file would work fine for my initial purposes, and posting ideas in a reply would be great for others to see, but if you have problems posting them or finding a place to host them, just send me a private message and I will get with you so that I can host it for you.

My intent is to get several design ideas, and then put up something for the members who are interested in them to vote on their prefered designs. At which point I will get to work in designing it to me made and see what comes of it.

For any design that may be put up please include some basics, such as:

- Overall outside dimension
- Means of attaching the medallion (folding tabs, adhesive mount, etc).

Most initial products, whenever I may actually get time to make some, will be prototypes, out of whatever material I have laying around (most likely aluminum, although we have some stainless steel laying around). Backings can be of various materials, from colored lexan and other plastics we have laying about. All prototypes will be done from material I have now, so I dont have to go buy anything.

If things go well and they turn out in a manner people would actually like, I will work up making them available to others, with any costs involved to just cover materials necessary and any other coloring expenses that may be incured (shipping as well). I;m not looking to do this as a means of profit, nor am I really looking to do this in any mass quantities, but rather to help fill a possible niche of those I have noticed have been asking about them but can no longer get them.

On a side note, if anyone has any of the original medallions, please provide pictures if you can and basic dimensions for comaprison to any new designs or if people find they still prefer the original look over something entirely new.

Thanks to any who wish to participate.

Hi all

Just wanted to let people know that Volvo has added something to the club.
I sent in my application for the club when I hit 160.000Km. After about a year of waiting today arrived a nice little package. I got a letter, a sticker a certificate and a vanity plate that reads Volvo for life and a badge showing 160.000Km.

Of course by now I have 205.000Km on the car but hey it's the thought that counts

wwdragon

I was quoted over $3000 to rebuild the suspension on my 98 S90 by Euro Specialists on 434 in Orlando. I later took my car to Voltech in Alamonte Springs FL and they fixed what was wrong (some tie rods) for $150.00.
So, Avoid Euro Specialists.
Frequent Voltech. They are fair, professional, and only fix what is broke!

hello,

I'm thinking about flushing my radiator. It think my volvo asks for volvo coolant only.

Does anyone know how much a gallon of coolant cost at the dealer?

Also, how many gallons do I need for my 96 volvo 960?

Hi all,

I am new to Vermont and new to this forum.
I own a 2001 XC 70 - which I love!
As I am new to Morrisville, VT, I am looking to find a mechanic that works on Volvo's in the Morristown-Stowe-Waterbury (Johnson, Hyde Park etc...)
Anyone out there know of one?

Thanks!
sheshe

is this place legitimate?

[url=http://www.



...and will they ship to USA?

ok.. so whats the fastest stock volvo?

bad smell coming from vents inside car when you turn on the ac or heat

Hi Gentlemen, and I assume Ladies.

Can you toss a newbie a bone?

Is a Volvo certified warranty transferable nowadays?

I sold a 2001 V70 CPO to a fellow and I know he got it transfered for $25, but that was back in 2004.

I now have an S80 CPO that might be easing down the road. I need to know if the certified status can transfer. The Volvo official site was quite non-helpful.

Anyway, although I have not posted here i have lurked and absorbed a lot of goodness off this site. I do all my own maintenance and the technical pointers are quite helpful like how to find the pollen filter and how to reset the service indicator.

Thanks in advance for any help with the certified question.

Hi all, new here, first Volvo. 2008 V50 2.4i

So I just got the wife (well....me too) a 2008 V50. Always liked 'em, finally pulled the trigger. Love the car so far. Live in California, so handsfee cell is a must. Talked the dealer into throwing the volvo bluetooth handsfree adapter in (connects to stereo speakers). Also got thown in the iPod interface. The sales person said they had not installed one before...in fact this poor old guy barely knew what an iPod was (and I'm sure could not understand why the AUX input was not good enough for me!). Anywhooo, as I understand it they send their audio work out to a third party shop(small dealer). When I came to pick up the car the Bluetooth worked great. I plugged the iPod in and got the Volvo logo on the iPod, but no option to select the iPod (or USB) on the stereo. I figured I'd take it home and mess with it, maybe I needed to tweak a setting or two. To make a long story short, the third party did not have access to VIDA (Vehicle Information Diagnostics for Aftersales) to upload a new software/firmware to the stereo on the car. It's the last step in the instructions. Once that was done the iPod works great. Here are some tech docs I came across while researching this. I'm glad I didn't have to install the iPod interface. You really have to tear the car apart to get it in.

x

Volvo iPod and Bluetooth Installation Instructions: http://vccs.volvocars.se/accessories/ii/De...1a-45b972f09b53

If you don't get the VIDA download your Mode selector on the stereo will not have USB or IPOD displayed:

iPod interface: http://vccs.volvocars.se/accessories/cat/e.../VCC-316393.htm

Hi everybody,

I was wondering does anybody know where I could purchase a Code Reader for a 1994 Volvo? I noticed that Amazon has code readers for cars made in the years 1996-present, but not before this time.

Hi

I have just bought a 2005 XC90 diesel and came across this forum.

I tend to do lots of my own vehicle maintenance and repairs,and I see reference to something called VADIS

I assume this is the manufacturers technical manual,but is there also software on the DVD to access ECU's etc. If so, what would be needed to plug into the cars OBD socket.

If not OBD software, can anybody recommend software/PC interfaces and/or handheld code readers that would give this feature.

Also does anybody know where I can get VADIS from cheaply.

REgards
MArk

Hey, Guys! I've been shopping around for an extended warranty and would like 2 know if any of you have had any experience with " VolvoExtendedWarranties.com". I checked their record on the BBB and Auto Warranty Reviews and they have a good reputation. I am ready 2 proceed with my purchase very soon and would just like 2 hear any feedback that the members in this forum may have. Check them out at http://www.volvoextendedwarranties.com

sitting here talking with the sous chefs and helpers during the down time in the kitchen and the topic got onto cars. (and women, but that is another topic ) anyway, the topic was how much we have paid for our cars. so here is the topic, how much did you purchase your current volvo for? the first R-$1500.00 (that is the current one) the second R (that was sold)-$5600.00 anbody else?

Until recently, I've always admired Volvo's from afar. Last week I found a deal on a 99 V70 AWD that I couldn't pass up and now it sits in my garage. My question is very basic. Do I need to have my Volvo serviced at the local Volvo dealer, or can any reputable repair shop do scheduled maintenance and whatever else may come along. Will Joe Mechanic have to buy parts from the dealer anyway? My initial concern is an alignment/front end inspection since my V70 has a slight shimmy at freeway speeds.
Thanks in advance for your input.

Jeff

When it was time to decide on an extended warranty for my S40 I went to the dealer (Volvo of Dallas, TX) and bought what they offered me. I know I should have researched it better but with posters all over the service department showing how wonderful the Volvo Extended Warranty (I think it is called VIP) is, I took for granted that's what I bought. After all that's what my previous Volvo dealer sold me and that plan worked really well.

To make a long story short, Volvo of Dallas sold a third party plan, one by MPP. After having tried to use it, I can only say it is not worth the paper it is printed on.

Do any of you have any experience with the different plans out there? Am I the only one with bad luck with the MPP plan, or is this something other group members have found as well.

Inquiring minds want to know...

Per