Volvo S80

L8_Apex

Welcome to the continuation of the Volvo S80 -
Part Four topic. Those of you joining us from that
topic are welcome to continue your discussion.

If you're new to this topic, you may want to
follow the above link for additional archived
posts.

Thanks,

L8_Apex
Sedans Host

philzornes

Howdy Folks:

We were driving about the DFW metroplex this evening and again encountered a problem with our Volvo Navigation system.

On more than one occasion - the system seems to get confused and has the car driving 10-15 miles off course, sometimes "cross country" and through lakes. Checking the GPS info- we sometimes show 3-4 satellites, sometimes no satellites being tracked.

We've tried doing a reset on the system via the controls, unloading and reloading the CD's (thinking it would softboot the software). Even turning the system off for 10-15 minutes while driving; thinking the poor thing was overworked after the cross country/water race it had supposedly been through. :-)

Sometimes this seems to help, sometimes not.

At first, we chalked it up to our unfamilarity with the Volvo Nav system (our MB E55 COMAND system, while similar, does not seem to suffer from this problem). But after living with out '00 T6 for 4 months now; I'm beginning to wonder if it's something more serious.

Anyone else experienced this problem with Accuracy on their Nav unit?

I'll have the dealer look at in a few weeks when we roll the T6 into the shop for a few minor adjustments:

- trim bubbling on the passenger window
- the TSB for the "Turbo" hesitation
- checkout out Bushing Thumping
- broken battery clamp in the Engine Compartment
- Nokia handsfree kit keeps losing memory and needs to be reset every 2-3 weeks. That is - when we plug the Nokia phone into the cradle - it no longer shows "Car" mode. The solution is to unplug the power coupling under the seat, wait 2-3 minutes, and then reconnect. The audio who installed the phone after we took delivery advises us that Nokia module is flaking out and should be replaced (under warrenty - whew)!

But otherwise - besides these little sniggles - we ain't got one complaint on our Moondust beast; been doing just fine; averaging 18.3 mpg with our city driving.

Taking the car to Tyler, TX this weekend to check out the Rose Garden there - and will be curious to see what the "true" highway mileage will turn out to be.

Have a great weekend -- Phil

jarch

I have a 4 month old T6 with the NAV system. I have seen a couple of programming 'mistakes' on my unit as well, but it has been the exception, not the rule. Normally, the system has worked flawlessly for me.

My NAV system cannot give proper guiding commands to my home (entered by street address). Instead, the system guides me to a location about 2 miles away from my house.

Now, since I know where I live, this hasn't been a big problem to me and I 'wrote it off' largely to the fact that my home was inside a gate guarded community. I thought (?) the system might have rules which made it get confused when regarding certain areas regarding restricted access (just a SWAG though).

In any case, I filled out a driver report online to Navtech, the makers of the CD-ROM nav database at:

http://www.navtech.com/database/data_driver.html

but have not heard anything back. I would suggest you do the same so they are at least aware of the problem.

p.s. BTW - I normally get 5 or 6 satellites online here in Southern California. Obviously if you ever come up with 'no satellites' it cannot guide you (you would hope that the system would alert you to that fact and not start giving you incorrect guiding commands). From what I understand, this should NEVER happen unless you are in a parking structure or some other structure / area where you don't have 'line of sight' to the satellites. Do you have metallic tint on the back / rear window?

kerryk

You might check if there is a software upgrade required.

The DoD recently turned off Selective Availability and this has resulted in many of the aviation GPS units requiring upgrades to handle the "enhanced" signal.

fmoda

I have had my S80 with the Nav system for 3 months now. I also have problems with the Nav losing its bearings. This happens about once every week to 2 weeks. I just leave it alone and usually after 20 minutes or so it regains its position. I have had this problem since day 1 even before the DoD removed its selective availability. I have checked all my wiring in the trunk and everything seems fine. I will bring this up to the dealer when I bring it in for my first checkup. Any suggestions would also be appreciated.

jazzertx

Hi to all..haven't been on for awhile. Odds and ends: 1) My computer message center displayed the message, "pull back foil cover and continue to cook for 30 minutes until golden brown"..OK, it didn't. My 00 S80T6 has 3700 miles and has been wonderful. I highly recommend car care products from "One Grand" in Hollywood. The products did exceptionally well on the new car and our 94 850T. Very inexpensive, easy to apply and the hand glaze and Blitz Wax are great products. As I approach oil change #1, I've resolved to do them at 5k intervals with Pennzane, Penzoil's 100% synthetic. I also recommend IPD as an aftemarket resource for OEM oil filter elements etc. They also e-mailed intructions on how to eliminate the check engine indicator on both of our cars. A comment on the headrest release feature: It works great for "whacking the kids" on the noggin when they won't settle down after repeated warnings

Cheers!

vader3

Hi All,
I've been trying to ferret out info on the 2001 S80 for a while now. One thing I've found (I believe) is that it won't be possible to order both the warm weather package and the navigation system.

Living in the deep south, I really want, at least, the power sunshade. Any thoughts/info on if this can be ordered separately or dealer-installed?

disappointed4

My 1999 S80 2.9 with 17" wheels, which I purchased new in March of 1999 (02/99 production), developed a clunking/popping noise in October of 1999, which seems to be coming from beneath the driver's footwell. The clunking/popping noise can occasionally be heard when accelerating, turning right or left and when braking. I also hear the noise when driving over rough roads at low speeds. It seems that the noise generally occurs when the chassis is being flexed. The vehicle had only 1,200 miles on it at that time.

I contacted my dealer last October and they replaced the left-rear subframe bushing with P/N 3507924-3 and used J-B Weld to secure it, per Volvo Cars' service bulletin. The noise returned immediately! The dealer again replaced the bushing (same part number), however, used a different (costly) adhesive this time, as recommended by Volvo Cars. The noise is still present. I again contacted the dealer and asked that the vehicle inspected by the Volvo Cars representative. The rep claims he and the service manager road-tested the car and could not recreate the noise! Unfortunately, I was not able to road-test the vehicle with the rep that day, however, I heard the clunking/popping noise TWICE, WHILE STILL ON THE DEALER LOT!!!

I contacted the dealer and requested to meet with the Volvo Cars rep, to personally demonstrate the problem I am having. The service manager refused to schedule an appointment with the rep. I then contacted Volvo Cars Customer Relations and requested an appointment with the Volvo Cars representative. I was told that this request can only be made by the dealer. I informed Volvo Cars that the dealer is refusing to honor my request. Volvo Cars Customer Relations suggested contacting another dealer in my area (northeastern New Jersey).

It seems that I am getting the run-around from the dealer and Volvo Cars. I've read the numerous posts about the subframe bushing problem. I recently read that Volvo Cars has a 4th generation bushing (P/N 3507924-4) and an o-ring available, which supposedly solves the problem. Has anyone had the latest bushing installed?

It seems that Volvo Cars doesn't have a solution to my problem. I am very disappointed that Volvo Cars has failed to even acknowledge the existence of the clunking/popping noise in my vehicle, probably out of fear of having to repurchase/replace the vehicle. In the past, I have even offered to make the vehicle available to Volvo Cars of North America for inspection, since I live near their Rockleigh headquarters. They refused and referred me back to the dealer.

The last time I was at the dealership, I was given an identically-equipped 2000 model-year S80 2.9 loaner car, with 5,000 miles showing on the odometer. This vehilce made NO CLUNKING NOISES WHATSOEVER!

I would appreciate hearing from other S80 owners who have also had similar noise problems and what if anything can be done to correct it. Can anyone recommend a Volvo dealer in northeastern New Jersey who has been successful in resolving this problem?

The vehicle currently has only 1,600 mile on it and is my second Volvo, my first being an S90. Aside from this ongoing problem, I really like the car. However, I feel that this subframe bushing problem poses a serious safety concern.

Any advise on how to proceed in resolving this matter is greatly appreciated!

justin

I am sorry, I have no advice for you. But, can I ask how you liked your S90? Any problems with it? Considering a used one from a reputable (if there is such a thing) dealer in my area.

Thanks

broeux

Vader3, when we ordered our S80 in 9/99, they adamantly insisted we could not have the full warm weather package, because the infrared windshield would interfere with the navigation system. We did get the rear window sunscreens (3), though, for $200--they are NOT powered, by the way, at least not on our 2000.

Some time ago, someone here posted that they had ordered the navigation system and WWP, and they insisted that the Volvo dealer assured them there was no conflict. I don't recall anyone posting absolutely that they in fact have both options, working perfectly together. So, you may want to research this further.

Broeux

rollie

Regarding post #7:

I hate to parrot VCNA on this one but your best bet is to find a better dealership. It shouldn't have to be this way but it is sometimes (and this can happen with any marque). If your current dealer won't even make the appointment to speak to the Volvo regional rep. I would leave them in a heartbeat if it is an option. Take your hard earned money elsewhere. Explain to the other dealer your problem and the work to date and tell them you want to give them a chance to earn your future service spending. The sub-frame bushing problem is an annoyance that has taken Volvo too long to finally find a solution for but it is not a major safety issue by any means. If you can't use another dealer send a letter to Wolfgang Rietzle (sp.) who is the head of Ford's PAG. He is in the process of implementing new customer service programs and is tying executive bonuses to customer satisfaction (isn't it about time!)

Good luck.

-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net

jack130

I just got off the phone with Cara, Volvo NA OSD rep, who stated categorically that because of Swedish govt requirements (not Volvo) you must take a minimum of 15 days insurance whether or not you intend to drive the car at all. She states that Volo is trying to resolve this but could not provide an ECD nor promise of favorable resolution. She also stated that a ship leaves weekly for the US West Coast but not on a specific day just "when it's full." On a related note, two dealers in my area (Seattle) have stated they'll make no concessions off the stated OSD pricing. Anybody have any luck in this respect or any suggestions?

disappointed4

I owned my S90 for a year before purchasing the S80. The S90 was absolutely trouble-free, being a mature product. However, the stock Michelin XGT V4 all-season tires lack the steering response of some of Michelin's more performance-oriented tires, they also wear quite rapidly.

Good luck!

pix_e

The climate control system is annoying me so I would like to read about your opinions/experiences. I have both of my climate controls set at ~72 degrees F. I have seen the outside temp read in the low 50s (Seattle area) and the AC is on. Is this abnormal? Those of you in the Seattle area, what's your story?

drmikki

Just had my battery suffered a "short circuit". Dea ler says that it can happen. Any experience from the group?

Have a '00 S80 T6

Your comments are appreciated

rollie

Regarding post #13:

pix e, under the circumstances you described the AC should be on but you shouldn't be able to really feel that the air is colder than ambient temperature. Unless you are running the heater, you should always keep the AC on in Volvos (and Mercedes) in order to keep the windows from fogging up (the AC removes the moisture from the cabin air). Odd but true...

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net

broeux

I found the same to be true of other vehicles, including Honda Accord and Lexus. Leave AC on, then set a comfortable temperature.

broeux

keithpa

I to also contacted Volvo about the insurance and was told that it is now required. They said they use to be able to waive it but they can not now. I was not given a reason as to why.

jhamley

Love my 2000 2.9 but am suffering the annoying thunk through the steering wheel problem. My guess is that it relates to lash in the adjustable column. Dealer says there is no known remedial action at this point. Any of the rest of you have some experience with this?
Thanks!

rollie

Regarding post #18:

jhamley, this problem sounds like the lubrication issue with the splines in the steering column. It has been referred to by multiple owners on the BrickBoard (www.brickboard.com) so their may be an actual TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) out on it. If you check the BrickBoard you should be able to find an S80 owner more familiar with the remedy.

-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net

trip7

I too live in North Jersey. I purchased a '96 850 and a '99 S70 from Englewood Volvo. The service department at Englewood has been excellent. I purchased a '00 S80 from Ramsey Volvo but have not had the opportunity to bring it in for service.

The reason I bought the S80 from Ramsey is because, strangely enough, my salesman at Englewood was not interested in selling/leasing me a Volvo. At the time I wanted to buy either the V70 or S80. He suggested I buy a Honda!

Still, the service department at Englewood is great. The sales staff at Ramsey has been exceptional; hopefully the service department is as good.

trip7

My S80 has 1600 miles and has been perfect except for one thing: the engines pings or knocks occasionally while accelerating.

I only purchase premium high octane gas but still hear the knocking.

Does anyone else experience this same problem?

rollie

Regarding post #21:

trip7, yours is the first I've heard of with a pinging problem. I would call the dealership and ask them if there is any reason you shouldn't try a can of dry gas in case you somehow ended up with excess moisture in your tank. This would be the easiest solution. If it doesn't work then you would need to waste some real time with the dealership to let them diagnose the problem.

Good luck.

-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net

k8dm

Greetings everyone!
It's been awhile since I've been to this site. Has anyone had problems with their air conditioning fan? Mine will only work on low speed. I took it by a dealership that I happened to pass and they didn't get any messages when they put it on computer. They will need it for at least a full day to try to track down the problem. Any clues? I could sure use high fan with 100+ heat!

Thanks,

Kathy

jhamley

I also have noticed a slight pinging. It occurs during light-to-mild acceleration from stop or a low speed. I had been using the middle octane grade (89?) in my Feb 00 2.9 and switching to high test did not make a significant difference. I mentioned this to my Service Dept. at my first oil change and they reported they could find no pinging.

bbenson

A dealer has quoted me a lease price over the phone of $399/month 12000 miles for 39 months with ~2800 out the door for (cap reduction, tax/license, 1st month payment). Oh and the 399 does not include tax so it would be about 430/month. I'm due to go in next week for a test drive and just wanted anyone's thoughts on this lease. Thanks

bbenson

I forgot to mention that the lease is for a 2000 S80 (leather, sunroof). He really didn't go into all the options but said most of the cars were pretty loaded and any lease deal wouldn't be above $450/month including tax.

anuthj

Have you tried another gas station. I've found at least one gas station in my area of NJ that took advantage of the sky-high gas prices by slipping me something other than the 93 I usually use.

I got a full load of fuel from a particular station and noticed after I got the car back out on the road that acceleration was very poor. The car didn't knock or ping but the RPMs wobbled a bit at idle.

I didn't like the look of it so I siphoned out some of the fuel and let a chemist friend check it out. He said it looked like someone mixed 89 and 87 octane fuel together, with about 3 parts 87 to 1 part 89.

Needless to say I haven't gone back there since.

- Jim

broeux

anuthj and rollie, I think you both are on the right track. Years ago it was not uncommon for gas stations to deceptively peddle lower octane gas from the high octane pumps. And when living in Delaware I had so much water in the fuel system from gas bought at one station that I had to have the gas tank removed and cleaned and the whole fuel system flushed and carb rebuilt--cost me hundreds. That station's tanks were found to be leaking and were finally dug up and replaced. The attorney general's office conducted an investigation and found water in many stations' tanks, and otherwise mixed and tainted fuel. It doesn't surprise me that these problems persist in some stations. It seems to be a worse problem with off-brand, cheap gas, but its not restricted to them. My watered fuel came from a big name company.

broeux

emachine

I am getting the standard stereo with my new T6. (I listen to too mant books-on-tape to give up the cassette player)

Is the center speaker in the dash only for the pro-logic stereo? Is this the 9th speaker and the center channel for surround?

If so, will there be nothing under the mesh speaker cover in my T6? Maybe I can make another cupholder out of the empty space!

pix_e

I found out last night that the headlight wipers are activated by using the windshield washer function (pull the windshield wiper bar). I was wondering about this for awhile and didn't find it in the manual. I thought I read somewhere that the headlights wipers are activated with the windshield wipers. How do you activate them on your S80?

neil2212

I've recently joined a carpool which has helped reduce my fuel costs by 75% (as well as my driving pleasure by the same amount, since I now leave my T6 in the garage M-F three out of four weeks). I have about 11k miles on my car (2000 model, picked up in 12/99). I've noticed that whenever I leave my T6 parked for overnight (or longer) it runs roughly when it is first started up. Not rough enough to die, but almost. After backing out of the garage and any additional distance, the problem seems to go away. Any thoughts on the problem I seem to have developed? Thanks in advance.

rollie

Regarding post #32:

neil2212, if I were a betting man (and I'm not), I would put big money on the possibility of a low capacitance battery. It seems the initial Volvo batteries that come from the factory seem to loose their deep charge capabilities prematurely from time to time. I remember this started with the 850 series several years ago as I recall (I learned the hard way by playing the radio for about a half-hour while I washed the car once.) If you get a chance you may want to have your battery checked and or charged. Again, I can't be sure but I think the battery is a likely culprit given your symptoms.

Good luck.

-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net

rollie

To those who helped me with answers to some questions I had about the Orange County area - many thanks!

Now another question, which Orange County area Volvo dealership goes above and beyond the call of duty to keep service customers happy? I will need to lease or buy another car in the next week or so and want to buy from a top notch dealership comparable to my current dealership of choice (Boston Volvo Village). If I can't find an exceptional dealer I may be forced to buy a [gulp] BMW or Audi to park alongside the T6!

Thanks.

-rdo
rdollie@mediaone.net

zama

I had the same question about the headlight wipers. They come on when you wash the windhield. Makes sense when you think of it. Not in the manual. I had to ask the dealer and felt kind of dumb after the fact

neil2212

Rollie,

I checked my battery voltage last night. Resting voltage (with car off, and not having been started for > a day) was 12.45 volts. Voltage measured while cranking the engine dropped as low as 11.0 volts (for an instant), and rose as high as 15.0 volts (for an instant). From these measurements, I'm suspecting that my battery is not to blame for my rough engine performance on start-up. Thanks for the thought though. Neil

jack130

There were several recent comments re an S80 model. For a little fun and the ability to download a paper model S80 T6 go to: http://vcc.volvocars.se/index.asp. Then link to "Entertainment" then to "Childrens Corner" then paper craft. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader as well as scissors and glue. I printed on photo quality glossy paper and it came out nicely. Enjoy!

camps

Rollie
Please inform me on how this ugraded system to the Dolby Pro Logic System works. Do you lose the cassette tape playing capability?
Camps

kevenandwanda

thanks to those of you who have been placing excellent comments on this post site. My wife and I have migrated our search for a new car from the Infiniti I30's to the Volvo S80. Our price has increased, but I believe the extra 10% will more than be worth the trade-in value 4-5 yrs from now.
If anyone has recently purchased the S80, 2.9 or the T6, would you be so kind as to let us know what a reasonable price would be to expect from either model. We were just looking to pick up a decent price from dealer inventory. we are in Cincinnati,ohio, but any price suggestions are greatly appreciated !
thanks in advance

emachine

Volvo is putting me up at the Best Western Plaza Elite when I get my car next month. Has anyone stayed here, and if so how was it?

rook2

Rollie:

I bought my T-6 through Volvo- Irvine and I live in Detroit. Long story, but look up Alex Doegle (pronounced doogle) , we did the whole transaction via fedex and phone, he found my car in transit, had it delivered to dealership in Ann Arbor, that he felt would provide the best "service" after speaking with them ( he had 3 to choose from in the Metro Detorit area). I have had no service issues to date, but feel that if I do encounter a problem I can call Alex to get help, even though he is 3000 miles away.

jay_t6

Rook2, have you considered Dwyer? They do a great job for me, but of course I bought my car there.

keithpa

ailsa,

Are you sure that the 2001 are coming in Oct/Nov? I am purchasing the 2001 through the overseas delivery (OSD) program and I leave for Sweden July 1 and pick up the car July 4. As far as pricing goes (at least for the OSD program) the 2001 is cheaper than the 2000 if you are getting the leather seat/sunroof package. For the 2001 model the leather seat/sunroof package is included and the OSD base price of $37,850. The 2000 OSD base price is $37,000 and $1,200 for the leather seat/sunroof package.

ailsa

Keithpa,

Thanks for your response. The 2001 S80's do not come out in the US until Oct/Nov according to Volvo N. America. Obviously going to Sweden is another story. I have no intention of dealing with Europe in the summer, it is a crowded mess. It looks like I will look at recent build 2000's because I can't wait that long.

Has anyone got any recent 2000 purchase stories, please?

iskowitz

For what it is worth, I have experienced the exact same thing with my 2000 t-6. I posted this to the newsgroup, no luck, I also took it in for service to have them look at it and they said they found no problem. If you come across anything let me know, it does nto do it every single time.

Aaron

striker5

This site has had numerous previous postings regarding noises attributed to faulty piston cooling valves. These noises have been described as hissing, high frequency, and/or high pitched. I am getting ready to take my car in to my dealer for a "hissing" noise which seems to be related to the a/c since it only occurs while the a/c is operating. I thought it might be the compressor cycling on and off. It sounds like running water and is extremely annoying as many passengers regularly ask me what it is. If anyone has experienced a similar noise and have had it fixed I would appreciate knowing if it is related to the piston cooling valve problem.

jkpowers

Bought a T-6 Nov.'99 (Nautical Blue - What a BEAUTIFUL car!). Has leather/sunroof, cold weather pkg, homelink, & 17" wheels. $39935 + tax & license.

kkat

Dealer wants about $160 for the 7500 mile service on my 2000 2.9. Am I getting ripped off?

anuthj

Paid $225 for mine along with a oil change using synthetic oil. I've got a T6 but I don't think there's much of a difference.

joint

Any thoughts on where I can get a bra for my S80, and also whether people feel these are good or potentially harmful for the paint finish. How long can you leave it on? moisture issues? Thanks!

Eric

bs6408

I'm about to buy the yr 2000 2.8 T6 S80 with the SunRoof/leather package and am a little confused about the seat differences between the standard 2.9 and 2.8 T6 models. They look different in that the T6 seats appear to have more side/lumbar support. Apart from 'looks', just how different are they in terms of quality and functionality etc?

Also, on price (I'm off topic some) I see Volvo is currently offering yr 2000 buydown of $1000 cash plus $500 for loyal Volvo owners. With these discounts I've been quote a selling price of $40,220 + Tax & Lic fees. This cost includes the following 4 options:

1. Sunroof & leather package
2. Homelink Security System
3. Cold weather package
4. 4 CD In-Dash w/surround sound

According to my research this $40,220 is slightly below the dealer invoice price. Should I be negotiating a lower price given that Volvo is throwing in at least $1500 on this deal?

Thanks in advance for any advice and/or replies.

Regards... Barry Sharp