Hi, I bought a 2004 Volvo S80 last year and after about 60 days I noticed a rattle noise (almost like I need shocks/struts) under the front end on bumpy roads, parking lots, etc. I have taken this problem to the Volvo dealer in town and after an entire day, they say they cannot hear it. It's worse and it's a shame to have such a beautiful car make such an awful noise! Any suggestions as to what it could be?

:blush: If you can hear it and the dealer people cannot, then I'd find either another dealer or a good body shop and ask that they take a ride and listen for the noise....It appears the dealer does'nt want to be bothered and shamefully there are a lot of them around....Am sure you can pin point the noise and probably something thats not to serious..Loose shock, tie rod end., any number of things..
Although would not go on any long trips and keep the speed down until the cause is found...Good luck

The problem I am running into here in Warner Robins is NO ONE wants to touch a Volvo, so I'm left with the only choice being the Volvo dealer here in Macon and that's the only one I have to choose from. You're right, the guys at the dealership act like it's too much of a problem or inconvenience for them...they want the money but don't want to fix anything.

:) If you happen to have a pep-boys or brakemaster business in and around the Macon area OR a garage., all these places have lifts where one can physically look for anything that might cause a noise.....Most of these places would be happy to get give it a close look, as you would probably let them repair the cause if found and you feel there qualified....

You mentioned places in the Warner-Robins area...I'am assuming your not Air Force as most bases have automotive hobby shops and personnel there would be happy to have a look-see...If I remember, Robins AFB uses to be active there, although not sure now....(PS..I'am retired USAF, so know a bit about what most all military bases have)....

I also think if you ask say a muffler shop if they would have a look under your car, even if it cost a few dollars, they would probably do it...You could call around first and ask....
In any case, this way you would know if its safe to drive the vehicle...

One other thing., might want to take a drive to Atlanta., thats not far from Macon., am sure there is a Volvo dealer there..You could always call first...
Again, Good Luck

i have the same problem with my s80 t6.took it down to the dealer 3 times now and still dont know wht it is.il lett you know if i find out

either way, contact volvo north america and have them reported. it is really a disappointment when you go and spend good money, like there is such a thing as bad money to spend :57:, on a quality car and you can't even count on the dealership to fix a problem. I agree with Damotu about driving to Atlanta, have them look, at least there you can find an independant shop to look at it also. I know that it's a hike to get to, but hey ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's an adventure.

hello everuone. i'm driving 2000 S80 T6. i'm new to Volvo and not sure if car works properly. The engine sound is like its breathing its up and downs, not smooth. IS IT NORMAL??

thanks in advance

Get your Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) checked.

can i do the throttle check by myself or i have to go to mechanic?

Depending on the dealer/mechanic.

First steps would be to hook the car up to VADIS via OBDII to see if the ETM has started to register some codes (this won't be displayed on the message centre yet).

They might then suggest
- ETM clean
- new software
- new ETM (free in USA)

Mine was replaced at 130,000km (about 80,000 miles)

I have to go to my volvo dealer within the next 2 weeks.. Woudl they charge me to check if the etm software has been upgraded as yet?
And if it hasnt, this is covered on warranty right?
Thanks

Yes to both questions...They will charge you and the ETM on specific models will be changed (if it has'nt been done already) at no charge.....Ask the dealer how you will know if it has been replaced under warranty., you might be able to trace back the vehicle history to confirm the wok done....

Most likely top spring mounts or possibly lower control arm front bushes. Get a mechanic (any one) to take the top bolts off the struts (from the engine bay, don't need to do anything else other than take a cover off) and under the plate under the bolt you'll see if the spring mounts are stuffed.

Narrow it all down, first find out where it is coming from by listening, is it drivers side, passenger side, is it high, or low, does it sound like scratching, rubbing, ringing, rattling? The more you isolate the area yourself the easier it is on the Tech at the shop, remember that they get paid on flat rate and if they are chasing a pebble lodged in a foreign place they aren't making money for the dealership the way they should. However, if you come in there with all the info you can, 1) you may find the problem yourself and save your money, or 2) get your car back fixed. You should be able to find the noise or its approximate location because after all it is your car, you hear it, a volvo tech may not hear the same things the same way. However I totally agree with reporting the dealership to Volvo of North America for horrible professionalism, sure it may cost time to find it, but had they not only would you have paid for it, you also would come back for further tech support. So for that I appologize. Best of luck to you!

I have the same history, since new in 02 a dull clunking as if under passengers front side. Dealers find nothing, Suggest loose items in trunk,transmiting via chassis. Lately worse though, but still no diagnosis. I will try the spring mount/bushing suggestion, but that does not sound right. Any other suggestions.//

When does the clunking happen? Acceleration, braking?

Similar clunking problem in my 2002 S80 T6! It sounds like a slight rattle in a box from right rear when the vehicle is cold and driving over uneven bumps. After the vehicle warms up over several miles it doesn't sound as noticable. I have narrowed mine down to the back right wheel area. The dealership states "suspect it's a rear shock assembly making noise". In other words they didn't figure out what part of the shock assembly was making noise they just confirmed the noise. They drove the car around with the trunk empty, removed spare tire and jack, with a tech sitting in the back and "still heard noise faintly". They want me to ride with it a bit longer to see if it worsens and was told the shock is still working. "customer to monitor" Translated - customer will complain about it again next time the car is serviced. If it is a shock I was told $258 to repair.

Unfortunately, it is not covered under the extended warranty...Warranty runs out in June.
Any thoughts would help....

Hi All, Newbie considering upgrading 98 S70 to 04 S80 with 50K. Everything seems to check out so far. Local Volvo dealer has provided warranty repairs, nothing major, local volvo only repair shop spent an hour checking out the vehicle but can't figure out squishy noise from the rear when I go over a pothole (off which their many in MA.) Repair shop comments are 'rattle in left rear over bumps. No play in links or suspension - possible shock?'.
Any suggestions on what to do?

Spare wheel and jack properly secured?

Get your anti-roll bar link rods checked just had same problem
and found link rod was damaged clunking now stopped since new
link rod fitted.