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Volvo Maintenance and Repair
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I was hoping that someone could help me. My stepdaughter has 940 (or 960) turbo with 130K miles or so. She was driving when all of the dashboard warning lights came on. The oil was okay and the temp was ok. It drove so she got it home. Today she drove it - and there were no lights. However it died on her and she couldn't get it going again. Any ideas on what this might indicate?
Thanks
Ken
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have noticed, though, there is no lighting of the gear shifter settings (P R N D 2 1). Does this car just not have lighting there or is it burned out? I haven't had time yet to examine it closely, i.e., start disassembling and exploring, so I thought I would query experienced owners. Thanks for any assistance!
--K9Leader, Newark DE
2000 Subaru Outback Ltd. Wagon (50K)
1998 Toyota Sienna (100K)
1994 Lincoln Mark VIII (105K)
1993 Volvo 940 (97K)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Personally, I'd attribute the problem to weak wheels (unless you're really plowing into those potholes at full speed). However, 16s will help cut down on the problem since it will allow you to have more sidewall absorbing the bumps, and it will soften the ride with the right tires. But, they don't necessarily need to be steel. The steel won't crack, but they can still bend.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I would make that Volvo tech you quoted, responsible for his own comments and replace the rims and the tires.
However, I would re-evaluate my driving style too, if I would be you.
I have driven my S80 on 16" alloy rims to the Mammmoth lake (ski resort) for total more than 2000 miles of snow/winter/mountain driving and never ever have blown tires or cracked rims.
Thanks
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
the dealer wants $4.5K to replace the engine. so i am thinking i should look around -- even at a new car
i do not like SUVs so the other option is to look beyond a volvo at a minivan
or should i just buck up and replace the engine?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am looking for replacement software that is more accurate and detailed but don't know what would work with the DVD system installed in the car.
I am curious what kind of details are missing in the Volvo version?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I called up Volvo customer service to inquire about reimbursement for the AC repair and found out that there were two outstanding recalls on my car. Volvo never sent out any recall notice on them. Luckily, even though it's out of factory warranty, the recalls were still covered.
History of my Volvo:
Purchased September 1999.
1999 to 2000 - Issue with "tire inset" (I guess that's what it is called) with Volvo logo on it coming off within the first week of owning the car. Got a free replacement. A third and fourth time during the first 6 months and dealer indicated I had to purchase the fifth.
Had the typical headlight bulb failures. Got 3 lights for free and was charged for the fourth. No more problems with bulbs after 2000.
Discovered the cheap CD player in car skips when you ride over rough road. Also, the speakers are hard to balance when listening to the radio. Hey, didn't I pay for the premium sound system? Man, what a rip-off!!!
Purchased & had Volvo install a cell phone hands-free system with headset built into headrest. Love it.
Noticed the paint job on car is a little faded looking. Interesting. I wonder if I should park in the shade.
I had the brake pad & rotor replacement issues; close to $700 a pop. Unlike other Volvo owners on this forum, I've only had to do this once a year.
Could not have oil changed by quick lube guys 'cause they don't have the right oil filters for my car. Went to dealer and got charged double what quick lube guy would have charged.
2000 - 2001 - Replaced tires. I believe I had over 45K miles at that time.
More brake work and continue with dealer maintenance. I really like my dealer. I guess if you are getting an idiot like me to pay their staggering charges for maintenance, you'd be nice to me too. Though I am now starting to get really teed about this expense. I didn't care much before because as I mentioned above, I like them. Also, though I don't like to brag (wink-wink) I was doing really well financially during the 90's but had to tighten the budget a bit during 2001. Purchased oil filter from the Pep Boys and went to quick lube guy. Miss my dealer. They had Irish Creme creamer for my freshly brewed coffee. They also gave me a 10% discount on maintenance services.
2001 - 2002 - Pretty much issue free. Same brake job work and started going to quick lube to get oil changes. Car rides rough when cold. Not too happy about this but the car is rarely cold with all the miles I'm putting on it.
2002 - 2003 - Not driving car much. Moved closer to job. Allowed nephew to use car. I only drive it on weekends.
Nephew killed my passenger side-view mirror, I have a cracked windshield and scratched paint from rocks and another mishap that scratched paint. Got some of my insurance money recouped less my $250 deductible by opening a claim. Had car repainted and windshield replaced. Car looks pretty slick.
Nephew & sister had all maintenance done on car at dealer. I paid for the brake job.
2003 - 2004
Took car to Midas instead of dealer to get brake work done. Saved $100. Asked why brake pads & rotors had to be replaced so often. Was told that all European and American cars now use softer brake material because we don't like the scrubbing noise of the stiffer material. Drawback is the softer material wears out faster. So, Volvo is not the only auto maker with this issue.
The present - Moved further from job and commuting via bus & train. Car now over 100K but is driven less. Also, purchased a satellite radio and Ipod, so I rarely use the car radio/CD player other than to redirect sound to the speakers.
So, by and large my experience with my Volvo has been pretty good. This is the first car I have owned past 5 years and I don't plan to get rid of it until I have at least 3 high mileage emblems on my grille.
BTW, my dealer is throwing a Customer Appreciation Day next weekend. Irish creme coffee here I come!!!!
Also, rather than quick-lube, what about an independent mechanic who specializes in volvo? I found one in the town I used to live in and still drive it to him for the services. Costs about $4 more than quick-lube, but its well worth it since my car requires 7 quarts and the quick-lube puts in 5 quarts no matter what car you are driving (my wife's subaru required 4.5 and they always overfilled it and i'd have to go home and drain half a quart).
but, in any case, congrats on your first high mileage emblem.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Kind Regards,
James
My one issue, is that the CD player does not play any personal (burned) CD's.
All of our family cars and makes have no problem.
The dealer says many people complain about this, but offered no solution.
Can this thing be programmed or tweaked???
Thanks
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
European cars use softer pads because they disperse heat better.
Euro cars are mean't to run @ higher speeds than japanese ones. Therefore their braking systems have to be better. If your brake pads heat up a condition called brake fade occurs. Brake fade means that your brakes are less effective. Stopping distances become longer. Dangerous if your racing, possibly fatal in traffic.
And why do they put that fake wood in there anyway? Does anyone think it looks attractive?
And I agree with the sales person and do not believe that the scratching IS a problem.
Apparently there is a kit I can buy to replace it with the brushed aluminum, though it seems crazy to pay for the 'upgrade' from aluminum to wood effect and then again to switch back to the aluminum.
But jokes aside, I contribute it to the age factor. I always relate the wood to the upscale status. The younger drivers might have different view on it.
why can i not get it to idle ??. i have changed the inlet manifold gasket and the carburetor but to know avail, it will idle if i turn the throttle screw up but then it fluctuates between 500rpm and 1500rpm if you are lucky.????????
please help. mick.
Seriously, there isn't much you can do if you do get stuck. 4WD's can get stuck in snow.
Perhaps you can drive a little slower and more cautiously.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Took it to the dealer 3 times. Still not fixed.
Did anybody else have a similar problem?
(The headlight washing fluid comes out well all the time.)
maybe a dumb question, but she did put it back in park after hitting the tree before trying to start it again, right? (its actually not THAT dumb because I've had 2 people tell me their cars wouldn't start only for me to find out they didn't have it in park)
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S