Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Volvo
Volvos Models:
Volvo Problems
Exterior Light Bulbs May Burn Out Prematurely
It is not uncommon for the exterior light bulbs to burn out prematurely. No repair option has been reported other than replacing the failed bulb.
Front Upper Strut Mounts May Fail and Cause Noise Over Bumps
Front upper strut mounts may wear prematurely, resulting in loud noise from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps.
Transmission Shifting Issues Due to Internal Failure and/or Software Issues
The automatic transmission may develop shifting problems and/or the Check Engine Light may illuminate due to internal component failure and/or software issues. It is always best to be sure the transmission control module has the latest software installed when any major transmission repair is performed.
Convertible Top May Have Problems With Micro-Switches/Potentiometers
The convertible top may have problems with the micro-switches and potentiometers that help control the raising and lowering of the top.
ABS Light Due to Control Module Failure
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Control Unit has a high failure rate. When this fault occurs, the ABS light will illuminate and codes may be stored indicating a problem with the ABS Pump Motor, or Wheel Speed Sensors, but the problem is the ABS Control Module.
Other symptoms may include an illuminated Check Engine and transmission shift light. and the speedometer may stop working as well.
Note: The brake system will operate normally...
Volvo Recalls (Recent)
Volvo Recalls Certain Vehicles Due to an Improperly Manufactured Front Seat Rail Detection Syste
Volvo is recalling certain passenger vehicles equipped with power front passenger seats because the front seat rail's detection system was manufactured incorrectly. This can cause the passenger seat to move beyond the intended maximum, which may increase the risk of injury to the passenger in a crash. Dealers will inspect and repair the rails free of charge.
Volvo XC60, Volvo S60, Volvo S40, Volvo V50Engine Compartment Body Support Member May Be Cracked
A crack may have developed on the top of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment during the manufacturing process. Cracking in this area can affect performance of the front structure in the event of a crash. If cracks are found, the vehicle will be taken out of service and replaced with one of equal specification. This recall is scheduled to begin by April 15, 2011. The Volvo recall number is R241.
Volvo S40Incorrect Tire Pressure Information Label
Certain vehicles equipped with an optional spare tire and wheel kit were assembled with the incorrect tire pressure information label. A misprinted label could lead to improper tire inflation, which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the incorrect label as necessary. The Volvo recall number is R247.
Volvo C70, Volvo S60Potential Power Steering Fluid Leak
Power steering fluid may leak from the pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing. This could lead to a sudden loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin on May 31, 2011. The Volvo recall number is R242.
Volvo XC90Loss of Power Steering Due to Return Hose Leak
The power steering return hose may be incorrectly routed. This can result in increased pressure in the power steering system. The return hose may burst at the steering gear as a result of the increased pressure, resulting in a loss of power steering fluid. The driver may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the routing of the power steering return hose and perform repairs as necessary. This recall is expected to begin during August of 2011. The Volvo recall number is R246.
Volvo S80Volvo Questions and Answers
Since I have had this car the air conditioner never was cool enough, it just is horrible to drive this car in the summer. It feels like you are driving without any air conditioner. I was told that ...
it's my sons car and the sparkplug wire on the plug nearest the fan belt is always melting and exposing the actual wire and spark to the metal around it making for a very dangerous situation. he's ...
I rinsed my 1986 volvo 240 dl enigine while the car was running with a high pressure water hose trying to find a transmission leak. I replaced spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor and my car will...
My son's 90 Volvo 240 is making a loud clacking sound. It will start and the overhead cam turns but the clacking is deafening. I pulled the cam cover and the lifters are moving. Broken rod or valve...
car won't start after adding gas,replaced cpu & fuel pump relay. Tried starting fluid in air intake. checked spark plu,-very dry,not flooded. Did not replace fuel pump(s or filter yet, or electrical
Volvo Owners' Stories
I am second owner, bought from medical supply salesman. Had 46,000 miles on it when I got it 12 years ago, Has 189,000 now. Have loved loved loved this car since the minute I laid eyes on it and drove it. Normal upkeep, except for those infamous Volvo brakes of course. Black, turbo, with rear spoiler, leather seats, sunroof. Oh my. Breaks my heart, but gonna have to give it up. Gigantic buck ran into me this week, caved the driver's side in. Raised two girls in that car. Just doesn't make economic sense to have it repaired. Can't afford another Volvo. Will always remain my favorite car ever.
This car looks great, but it's very expensive to maintain. And all Volvo Dealers are not honest and forthright with their prices on parts and labor, especially if you are a woman. Do your homework! each dealer has it's own prices on parts and labor. I have found that the Volvo dealer nearest me (SCOTT VOLVO OF LEHIGH VALLEY, PA) are especially into ripping off their clients. I asked for a price on service for the same thing at two different times and got two different prices. Also when checking other Volvo Dealer's part prices in the area they ALL were at least 70-90% cheaper. So if you can find a good mechanic specializing on Foreign cars stick with them. Overall the only thing that I've had a constant problem with were the lights bulbs (all the way around). I've owned several cars and I've never had to change the light bulbs for the headlights or rear lights as much.
I love my 2003 S-40 yes now i am starting to have problems the neighbors. scrathes on my car there is a screw in every tire so i need a set of tires, i put a ball joint on the front right wheel, i put a alternator on. now when i turn the key it will not say a word ,i hear it could be te starter, or a relay switch, but i have my 22year old son driving my car and a drunk boyfriend. i hear nice car a lot i want my baby fixed, or i cannot forget to mention my car get up, i need a wheel alignment also,do not let your family drive your car. i love my car so much i have the alarm system,i went and brought the club also.I LOVE MY BABY!
At 140,000 miles the transmission was shifting hard in the first 3 gears and sometime going into a neutral position when going from reverse to Drive and visa-versa. I had quotes from 1800.00 to 2500.00 for a rebuild and up to $4000.00 for a new trans from Sweden.
I had purchased a vehicle protection plan and they ended up covering this repair (took nearly 3 weeks though). Only reimbursed $35 a day for rental car. Cost me an extra $10/day with required coverage. They opted to put a used trans and trans-axle from a wreaked XC70. So far so good. This Protection plan cost me $2600.
Presently I'm trying to simply replace some light bulbs and window washer pump motor, which is not covered. The license plate light burned out and that was simple to replace. 1 screw for each lens, pull lens down and then pull back to slide grip plate out of it's socket. Pull bulb straight out and insert new. Reverse assembly.
A much more difficult task is to replace the front side marker lights. On the 2006, unless you have very small and strong hands, you must remove the air filter box on driver side and window washer filler tube on passenger side. Both socket turn toward the rear of car for removal.
Removal to the wiper juice motor is proving to be a real pain. Anyone have experience with this?
All the best, Steve
Good luck.
i bought my volvo xc90 last august 2011 its a used car its really nice car and i love to drive but one thing i noticed since i bought and drive this something is noisy in my front wheel because when i pass a rough road/hump or just an ordinary road theres something noise on it i dont know whats the problem of this.