Problem Reports
Problem with your car? See what our experts say or submit your own.
1998 Volvo V70 Problems
Automatic Transmission Shifts Very Hard and Erratic
There are several common complaints regarding Volvo V70 transmission shifting issues. Long shift times between gear shifts, hard shifting, hard downshifting and a loss of transmission operation to name a few.
If the issue is minor, a transmission software update may address this. If available, the software should be updated before any repairs are made. After a software update or repair, the shift adaptation needs to be reset. A good quality Volvo repair shop will know how to perform this task.
There are several technical service bulletins (TSB's) available from Volvo that address these shifting issues and they should be consulted by the repair shop during the automatic transmission diagnostic process.
Regular servicing of the transmission fluid can help with preventing transmission failure, but not in all cases. Follow the suggested fluid replacement interval recommended by Volvo. You will find this in your owners manual, or find it here>>
Door Lock Assembly May Fail
One or more door lock assembly may fail and cause door locking/unlocking problems.
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.
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 however during a panic stop the Anti Lock Brakes will not work and the wheels may lock-up, causing a lack of vehicle control under these situations.
Master Window Switch Assembly May Fail
The master window switch may fail, allowing the windows to move in one direction and not the other.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Secondary Air Pump
The secondary air pump may fail causing the check engine light to illuminate. The cause is often a failure of the air pump check valve that contaminates the air pump with exhaust gas/moisture.
Vibration Due to Worn upper and/or Right Engine Mounts
An abnormal vibration maybe noted due to a worn upper and/or right front engine mount. Replacing all worn mounts may be necessary to correct this concern.
Knocking Noise Over Bumps Due to Worn Sway Bar Links
Front and/or rear sway bar end links may wear out prematurely, causing a knocking noise from the front or rear of the vehicle when driving on bumpy roads. Our technicians recommend inspecting the links at each service, they should be replaced if any looseness is found.
AC Not Cold Due to Evaporator Leak
The AC evaporator is prone to leaking, causing the air conditioning system to lose refrigerant and stop blowing cold air.
Rough idle due to broken vacuum hose near power steering pump
Vibration From Rear Rotors Under Heavy Braking
When braking at highway speeds or when descending hills, a rumbling or vibration felt throughout the vehicle can be from the rear brake rotors. Replacement of the rear pads and rotors is the fix, and make sure that the shop installs the special cut-out shims available from Volvo to help prevent this in the future.
Oil Leak From Turbo Return Pipe Seal
The turbocharger return pipe seal may develop an oil leak. The leak can begin very small, but will eventually progress into a large leak. Our technicians recommend having this repaired at first signs of leakage.
Secure gas cap to help prevent false EVAP codes
*make sure to always properly secure the fuel filler cap after fill-up!
Rumbling Noise From Front of Vehicle While Driving
One or both of the front wheel bearings may fail resulting in a rumbling noise from the front wheel area when driving over 25 mph.
Check Engine Light Due to Intake Manifold Vacuum Leak
The Check Engine Light may illuminate due to an intake manifold gasket vacuum leak.