Volvo V70 Wagon Experience

marinadave · February 2003

Both the manual and "use only volvo coolant" on the engine reservior suggest that I should only top off with Volvo's coolant. Is this true, or can I use Prestone? They also say not to mix coolants. Thanks.

automan227 · February 2003

I have an interesting problem with my 2001 V70 T5 Wagon. Currently the wagon was about 27,100 miles if that helps any.

Recently, and this doesn't happen everytime but it does happen somewhat frequently, when I have been locking the car with lock button on the remote, sometimes the passenger door lock won't go down, and the door is unlocked. However, the car/computer thinks its locked and arms the car, so if you open the door, the alarm will go off (and quite loudly if I do say so myself). All of the rest of the doors (and trunk) are locked when this happens. To correct it, what I have had to do is run it through an unlock-lock cycle a couple times to make the door lock properly.

As of right now, I have taken it to the dealer and they gave me the "cannot be reprodcued" deal. They suggested using the other remote to see if it would go away and it did not.

Ideas/Suggestions?

Thanks.

AS

bodble2 · February 2003

Sounds like a sticky lock mechanism. Could a solution be simply to lube the mechanism?

BTW, this brings up a question that I've been wondering about: If you've left one door/hatch/hood open and press the lock button, would the system lock the rest of the doors and arm the alarm, or do all the doors/hatch/hood have to be closed before the system will arm?

automan227 · February 2003

I have tried replacing the lock mechanism, however it is still doing it.

Also, if one of the doors/trunk is open and you push the lock button, the lights will flash, and the doors will lock, but the car will not arm itself until whatever door that was open is closed.

Thanks.

AS

rogertc1 · February 2003

Both the manual and "use only volvo coolant" on the engine reservior suggest that I should only top off with Volvo's coolant. Is this true, or can I use Prestone? They also say not to mix coolants. Thanks.

You can get by with Prestone as long as you use Volvo motor oil.

bodble2 · February 2003

Hmmm, that seems like a design flaw on Volvo's part because you could conceivably inadvertently leave a door ajar and walk away thinking you've secured you car. I know on other cars (Hondas, Toyotas for example) you won't get the confirmation light flash, or it would have some audible warning, if you try to arm your car before all the doors or closed.

volvomax · February 2003

You should not get the lights to flash without all the doors, hood and trunk being closed.

sailbls · February 2003

Has anyone experienced any problems with a 2003 none turbo yet? I haven't seen any tech bulletins or recalls listed yet...also am i correct that your Tail lamps and instrument panel lamps are on with the Daytime running lamps? that seems like a terrible strain on the car's electricial system....most vehicles DRL's operate indepently without the tail lamps and instrument panel lamps on...Thanks

bodble2 · February 2003

Do you know if the alarm can be programmed (either by user or dealer) to to "beep" when you arm/disarm? On most Japanese cars you can switch between the 2 modes. Volvos already have a siren as part of the alarm system, so one would think it should be able to do the "beep beep".

sailbls · March 2003

Look at Ebay,they have them in all colors about 1/3 of the factory price...good luck

dmarcus48 · March 2003

I know that with my 2003 s80, if you open the trunk with the remote while the car is armed. When you close the trunk the lights flash and the alarm is re-armed.

Dave

volvomax · March 2003

Is not a function of Volvo's factory alarm.
Actually I'm glad, always hate to hear someone pull in and their horn beep when their alarm arms.

automan227 · March 2003

My son got his permit the other day, and I took him out driving, and realized that the T5 we have is way to fast for him.

In any case, our dealership had an S80 2.9 they were selling at a reasonable price (see the Sedans/S80 section of this site).

However, we currently still have 12 months left on our lease on the T5 wagon. After shopping trade in price (2000 S80's are not in short supply due to 3 year leases ending soon), I have gotten offers for trade in on this wagon as low as $20,500. Residual value for the car in 1 YEAR will be $22,500. I have gotten as high as $22,500 for it as a trade-in value now.

These numbers seem really low for a 2001 (picked up in 2000) with only 27,000 miles. If its any help here are the options:

Leather
Headlight Washers
Homelink
Convenience Package (cargo net etc.)
Volvo-Installed Handsfree kit for Nokia 5100/6100/7100 series phones (has a microphone and speaker built into the headrest which is the color of the leather in the car).
Geartronic Transmission

Am I missing something here with regards to value?

AS

revka · March 2003

You may also want to post (copy/paste) your question in our Real World Trade-In Values discussion. Good luck.

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

cabaiste · March 2003

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good Independent Volvo service shop I can bring my 1998 V70 T5 to in the lower Hudson Valley / Northern NJ area ?
I've run out of patience with my Rockland County dealership's shoddy work and sky high pricing.
Thanks in advance.

revka · March 2003

You should also try asking in our Volvo Owners Club Problems & Solutions and/or Care & Maintenance discussions. Good luck.

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons

swedespeed · March 2003

There are still a bunch of 2002 V70's sitting on lots. The rebates that came out in the fall should still be in effect, correct? I refer of course to the hidden "factory to dealer" rebates that everyone already knows about.

I believe the last I heard it was $4500 for an 02 V70..pretty good chunk o change.

comments please....

revka · March 2003

Yes, that's a nice chunk of change! Just curious, what region are you in? At this time, Edmunds' Rebates/Incentives section is only listing special financing available in my area.

Of course if you/anyone has other information that's not (yet) mentioned there, we always appreciate hearing about it....

Btw, are you in the market for a V70? If so, good luck. And please keep us posted on your purchase. ;-)

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

bodble2 · March 2003

Can anyone tell me if the V70/XC70 (or any Volvo for that matter) have light control system? ie. auto on/off, low ambient light sensor, etc.? Thanks.

dmarcus48 · March 2003

Volvos do not have a light control system. They have daylight running lights (DRL). When I picked up my s80 there was basically no difference between having the light switch off or on, the headlights, taillights, etc were always on. I found this annoying and had the DRL shutoff. I think in Canada DRLs are mandatory. Interestly enough the dash lights seem to be independent of the other lights, in that I mean that the dash lights can come on during the day. I think there's some sort of sensor.

Hope this helps.

Dave

bodble2 · March 2003

In Canada, most cars use reduced-power high beam for the DRL. You mean that's not the case with Volvo? They just use regular headlight on low beam? I understand about the interior dash light. That's a nice feature. For example, if you drive into a dark underground parking lot it's good to have the interior dash lights come on automatically. But will Volvos automatically turn the headlights off (if the light switch is in the "on" position) after you've switched off the car and/or locked the doors?

dmarcus48 · March 2003

Yes that's correct the volvo drl's are basically the low beam, not a reduced power beam. With the switch in the on position they do turn off with the key. Strangely the parking lights don't turn off with the key, nor do they give a warning chime. The car is also intelligent enough to switch off the lights when starting the car as to not draw power away from starting. This is my first Volvo (S80), I can't talk about reliability yet, but its really well thought out. In the summer with the air on the blower will start up on its own after the car is shut off to get rid of the condensation in the ducts, this is what gives you that smell when the air is turned on.

Dave

bodble2 · March 2003

How about this "Safe Approach" feature on Volvos. How exactly does that work and what exactly does it do?

dmarcus48 · March 2003

You push a button on the remote and the taillights, interior lights, puddle lights on the mirrors and I think the headlights come on. What I really like is they have a "safe home" feature. You know certain cars leave the lights on when they're shut off, and everyone says," you left your lights on". With the Volvo you can if you want turn the lights on manually, by turning the key off and pulling back on the hi beam stalk the outside lights will stay on for 90 sec. Alot of features like the seat temp and how long the lights stay on are controlled by the car's computer and can be adjusted by the dealer.

Dave

bodble2 · March 2003

should be made more simple though. If Volvo had put in auto-off with time delay on the headlights, then the driver could simply leave the lights in the "on" position, and all lights, including interior dash lights and parking lights would shut off after a pre-set time period. A secondary benefit would be to avoid battery drain for forgetful souls like me.

bodble2 · March 2003

but it seems that many or most European brands don't have auto-off headlights (all lights, including parking and interior lights) whereas for Japanese cars, all but the subcompacts seem to have this feature. I wonder if there is a reason for that? All European drivers somehow less forgetful that the rest of us? I think most people would find this feature very useful. It certainly beats wondering in the middle of the movie whether you had left your lights on!

dmarcus48 · March 2003

Actually I like this manually timedelay better. It only turns on when you want it to. The headlights will turn off automatically with the key.

cpike1 · March 2003

Is there some kind of trick to install the Cargo Barrier in a 2001 V70?

I'm assuming the barrier fits into the slots up in the roof liner, but the barrier I have seems to be about 1" too wide.

If anyone could help, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

nedzel · March 2003

our MB C240 has fully auto headlights (on and off).

bodble2 · March 2003

The parking and interior lights are auto controlled too? I was kinda wondering if MB has auto on/off lights 'cause I see lots of MB owners park and walk away with the lights on, even during the day.

djocks · March 2003

I am interested in a XC70 lease.
Assuming I put $2500.00 down no a 12k lease.
what is the best you think I can do?

nedzel · March 2003

about parking and interior. It's my wife's car so I don't drive it much. But I do know that she leaves the headlight switch on auto all the time. When you are driving and it gets dark, the headlights turn on. When you park the car at night, the lights stay on for a minute or two after you walk away. I think the interior lights do the same, but I'm not positive.

dmarcus48 · March 2003

I know that someone here at work was able to get a 2003 xc70 with premium pkg in Jan 03, for 1800 down and 360 per month for 42 months.

Dave

bodble2 · March 2003

If your MB has an "auto" setting, then I'm sure it controls ALL lights. After all, it wouldn't make much sense if it turns off the exterior lights automatically but makes you manually turn off the other lights.

nedzel · March 2003

You're probably correct. Like I said, it's my wife's car and I don't drive it very often.

pocisk · March 2003

does anybody know how to reset that "SERVICE" light in a 2001 V70 2.4T?
I change my own oil but was wandering how to reset that thing.
Is it a fact that only dealer can do it with a computer? I would think not.
thanks for your help.

lizzy53 · March 2003

Good evening-I am on a slow burn after a trip to my Indy Volvo dealer today to look at a 2003 V70. Took my 98 V70 AWD to be appraised for a trade-in-I hadn't been there more than 5 minutes and was asked if I had had to replace the viscous coupling (?) part of the AWD yet-a $1700 repair-$3000 if you drive the car at all after it fails as it takes the transmission with it! Does anyone know about this supposedly common problem in the 98's? if it is so common why hasn't there been a recall for it? Needless to say I now feel like I am driving a ticking timebomb and this little gem of info preceeding a trade-in value for my car that was $1000 less than the local Mercedes dealer will give me for my car on a trade for a C320 wagon is leaving a very bad Volvo taste in my mouth (although I loved the way the V70 2.4T drove!). Thanks for any help/direction anyone can give me.

revka · March 2003

Check posts 520 and 617. Good luck.

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

revka · March 2003

Also, sorry to hear about your concern. Recalls are issued when problem is a determined to be a safety issue. For other problems, the manufacturer might release a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin).

You can check in Edmunds' Maintenance Guide to see if there are any TSBs that might be related to this problem.

Btw, another thought I had was that your dealer may also be trying to set you up to accept less on your trade-in. Have you asked anyone in your Volvo service department about this problem? If it turns out to be a common problem, not a bad idea to get a second opinion on the actual costs to repair. Keep in mind it won't cost the dealer as much to repair....

Others here have more to add. Also, try using the discussion search (right side) to see if you can find other messages on this subject. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your situation.

Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

volvomax · March 2003

As far as I'm aware there is nothing chronically wrong with the viscous unit in the Volvo AWD's.
The only drawback to the regular AWD was that it cost as much as the Cross Country and isn't worth as much at resale time.
We didn't and still don't carry the regular AWD, we prefer to carry the Cross Country because it sells so much better both new and used.

CindyM · April 2003

Am in the throws of trying to decide between a V70 non-turbo, the VW Passat 1.8t wagon, and the new 2004 Toyota Sienna. Am wondering if any owners of the '03 V70s could give some feedback on their experience so far. All 3 of our current choices have definite pros and cons. Am concerned about the seemingly declining reliability of Volvos and the forced dependence on dealers for service, while VW (and particularly the Passat) seem to be doing better. Like the spaciousness of the Sienna, but am leery of gas mileage and buying first year of a new model; the Passat is a lot of fun, but will always only seat 5. Any thoughts?

sailbls · April 2003

Hi Cindy M, i have a good friend that has a 03 V70 non turbo with about 7500 miles on it (he drives a lot)and has not had any problems at all. Our Volvo store, North Point Volvo, service manager told me that Volvo is doing a much better job now than a few years ago. Only time will tell. I have had several Volvo's in the past and were all great cars.My son has the VW but is cramped in the rear seat.As for Seinna it's a Van ,looks likes a Van and handles like a Van (Top Heavy)IMO. NO comparison to the drive and ride of a V70. Good Luck in searching.

hotmale · April 2003

I currently have a 2002 Honda Accord Coupe EX, I need room for my 3 labs. I am considering either the V70, Pathfinder or Honda Odyssey. I am planning on keeping this car for a while. Any suggestions with regards to reliability? I enjoy my trouble free Honda Accord (this is my second Accord)but need more room like a wagon.

xplorx4 · April 2003

Honestly, if you only need space for 3 labs, the Odyssey is probably your best option. It is fuel-efficient, spacious, and reliable. The Pathfinder is smaller and gets substantially lower fuel economy. Likewise, the V70 is smaller than the Odyssey, but then again, it is a wagon, not a minivan.

hotmale · April 2003

Thanks xplorx4. V70 has great financing now. How is your Pathfinder holding up?

xplorx4 · April 2003

My Pathfinder is now nearly 113,000 miles old, and is still holding up very well, in spite of many miles of extreme off-road use and substantial aftermarket modifications. I have had very few problems with it (that weren't self-inflicted), and most problems I've been able to fix myself (but then again, I'm reasonably experienced in working on cars). For what I use it for, it's great.

I fully intend to keep my truck for at least another 100,000 miles, unless I get into an accident with it and it's totalled. Probably the biggest issue with it now is its poor fuel economy. It averages around 14.5 mpg mixed city/hwy, but I suspect this is largely a function of its aftermarket accessories combined with my driving habits.

My wife and I are considering the V70 (and other wagons) because we need a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, has car-like performance and handling, and is nearly as roomy inside as the Pathfinder.

hotmale · April 2003

I have decided on the V70 wagon. I will let you know how it works out.

sailbls · April 2003

Ordered a new V70 the 1st of April,our local dealer here in the Little Rock area told me it will be a 2004 model...but i am having a hard time finding out if any new options will be available such as xenon headlamps..also has anyone heard that volvo will have a 3 year maintenance program with the 2004 MY cars....

volvomax · April 2003

Xenon will be available, requires the climate pkg.
Volvo has mentioned free scheduled maintenance for 30,000 miles, however until we see the final pricing info it won't be official.

sailbls · April 2003

Thanks for the info Volvomax, i did order the climate Pkg,but my dealer wasn't sure about the Xenon headlamps, he said they were going to be on the XC90 and the new R models. He did say he would check and let me know.. Maybe i will be able to make the window...hopefully we won't see a big price increase in the 2004 models...thks again

Volvo V70 Wagon Experience

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