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Volvo S40

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Comments

  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    I have a 2006 s40 T5 AWD...I saw the same info...service dept at my dealer said it was dropped from the S40 model :sick:
  • discovery218discovery218 Member Posts: 13
    That's just not right!! They should just reprint the whole thing or do something (so cheap!!). I kept trying and trying and trying....... Thanks for the info tho!
  • davidp158davidp158 Member Posts: 16
    Not sure if this is the right place to post this, or if I should start a new thread. Anyway, we have a 2006 T5 with the 6 CD changer. It sounds great, but now and then will switch to the radio when a CD is playing. I can't tell what would make it do this, aside from one of those emergy alert radio announcements...but it just switches to one of my programmed FM music stations. Its done the switch from CD to radio at least 8 times now, and will bring this up when I take it in for its first service call. Has anyone had this problem?

    cheers,
    Dave
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    The software was deactivated following customer complaints.
    However, it can be reactivated by the dealer.
    Note: it only works for lowering the windows, not raising them.
  • discovery218discovery218 Member Posts: 13
    Newly own a 07 S40 and I have no idea the maintance cost! I've heard it's not cheap. Do you guys have any ideas? Let say a oil change.
  • mrrk47mrrk47 Member Posts: 104
    I don't know for sure, but you've probably heard some of the Volvo maint. horror stories on this site...dang, that's one of the reasons this site isn't good for all people, people LOVE to scare people on here by telling them:"the car you just paid alot of money for is crap!"
    If you do alot of thinking(regretting) after the fact, then those kind of things will cause much grief. I just took my S40 into the dealer for an oil change and it cost....are you ready for this astronomical number......$41.00 TA DA!!!!!!!!! yes, it's not that much to change the oil in a Volvo, plus 15.00 for a loaner car. The horror stories I've heard are for things that break(things break on EVERY car and it ain't cheap tp fix things on any car).Volvo has had historical issues(as all euro makes) with electrical parts, but drivetrains are practically as bulletproof as the great, hollowed Japanse makes. I rationalize it like this: cheap is cheap , premium is premium....more expensive cars may cost more to fix.....
  • warrior_prwarrior_pr Member Posts: 28
    I bought this S40 model in July. Short trips (around half or one hour) no problem. I am a salesperson so; sometime I have to be between 2-4 hours driving. I noted that every time I had to drive more than 2 hour without stop the car, my back pain begins. I changed long trip to my wife Ford Freestyle and my back does no suffer any pain after the trip. I know this could be personal but I would like to know if somebody has the same experience. Reading about that in magazines, only I found one comment talking about uncomfortable front’s seat for long trips. I leased this one and I could not change this car before 18 months and also I would like to keep my back also so....... any suggestions before I go to the Volvo dealer? ;) :confuse:
  • mrrk47mrrk47 Member Posts: 104
    just curious , why can't you trade before 18 months?
  • warrior_prwarrior_pr Member Posts: 28
    Lease disclosure... not know why but that is my Bank loaner told me the day I signed. I will check more about it... :confuse:
  • specialonespecialone Member Posts: 1
    When I first got my S40, the seats were uncomfortable and I got some back pain from them. After awhile, I got used to it and I don't have any problems. In fact, I like the seats now.
  • cleve2cleve2 Member Posts: 4
    I purchased my '06 S40 at the end of summer and started hearing the same noises shortly after my purchase. They sound like servo motors going on and off. At first I only heard the noises when the air conditioning was on and then it became non-stop (even without air or fans on. I let the car sit over the weekend and found that it would not start on Monday. The car initially turned over and then died. On the second attempt to start the car, the key become locked in the ignition. The car responded to a jump and I made it to the dealership.

    So, after one week in the shop, they attributed all the problems to a defective battery. The service rep did not know of any problems with motors/noises with the ventilation...he did say some were louder in some cars than others???

    The good news...I have not had any problems since then and the noises have stopped.

    Good luck!
  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    Congratulations...I'm still waiting for a promised "we're working on it" fix...mine barks as loudly as ever.
    I love my car but really do have a problem with waiting 6 months and "nothing yet" !
    Hummm, perhaps I should just replace the battery :)
  • ovlov1ovlov1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 S40 T5 with 12k miles. Since the car came with the first 4 scheduled maintenance every 7500 miles free , I was wondering if anyone was told differently regarding when to change oil. 7500 miles seems like a lot to me to wait but it is what is recommended in the manual as well. When I asked the service rep. at the dealer he said every 7500 miles is what was recommended. I know motor oils have gotten better over the years but would it be wise to have the oil changed in between the free scheduled maintenance times as well. Oil changes are fairly cheap yet very important to the engine health but on the other hand I dont want to throw my money away if its really not needed. I would thing every 3000-4000 would be the standard.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    IMHO, doing anything more than what the manual recommends is a waste of money and resources.

    Your vehicle should be on a synthetic oil which should easily last the 7,500 mile interval.

    YMMV.
  • loanthonyloanthony Member Posts: 5
    I'm considering a new S40 and heard through some informal online discussions that only the dealer can perform oil changes. Is this true and could someone provide some information on this? I've used local oil and lube outfits (like jiffy lube) and would like to have have the option of using them if I want to.

    Thanks for any info!
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    If the Jiffy Lube has the proper filter, they can certainly change the oil.
    However, the cars major services should be done at the dealer.
    Jiffy Lube techs can't do software work and can't tell you if your car has a problem or potential problem.
  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    You need the filter cartridge approx $16.00 from Volvo and the proper wrench to get to the filter cartridge cover from on top...look for it near the oil dip stick and you'll see you challenge...best done when one's hands won't get burned as well. I used Mobil 1 extended life and feel very comfortable approaching the recommended change intervals.
    I started without the wrench and ended up at the dealer with a blush on my face as well. :cry:
    I will do it myself next time if necessary to prove I can !
  • discovery218discovery218 Member Posts: 13
    I have a 2007 S40, and it only got 3,500 miles on it. The "Check Engine" light came one last Saturday. I called the Volvo service and they told me to check the gas cap to make sure it's closed. Sometime the car's computer might think there is a gas leak if it is not tightly closed. Then give it 24 hours to see if the light would go away. Any of you have the same problems? I tried to do the trick, but the light was still on as of this morning, but it hasn't been 24 hours yet! :mad:
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    My wife's '07 S40 did that too within the first month or so of owning it. Dealer supposedly updated some software and the problem hasn't repeated since (knocks on wood).
  • warrior_prwarrior_pr Member Posts: 28
    I have an S40 2006 2.4i and had the same problem. Solution: Start using regular (87 or 89) gasoline instead of Premium 93 I was using. Performance did not get any down penalty and the light go off until today (12000 miles). Good Luck :)
  • sarahhsarahh Member Posts: 3
    I find a volvo S40 with 8,xxx miles for $20,000 plus tax and fees, very clean, but I heard from peoples said about how expensive to be repair and parts also only find from dealers, :sick:

    anyway, someone recommend me to this website and told me that better listen from you guys who's really own Volvo S40, pls give me some advise,

    thanks for all answers

    sarah h. :P
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Keep in mind you are buying a European car, not a japanese or American one.
    So, parts, esp parts for what is essentially a new model will only be available from a dealer.
    Repair costs for the S40 are actually average.
    Slightly higher than a Honda, much better than a Benz.
    Plus, the car is under warranty, so parts costs aren't going to be an issue for another 4 yrs, by which time you may have already replaced the car.
  • au1994au1994 Member Posts: 3,356
    Ours did the same thing once. I stopped, tunred the car off and restarted and it was still on. Just happened to be 10 min from the dealer so I caled and told them I was on my way. They said no problem so I got there , turned it off, went inside to get the tech and you guessed it, when he turned the car on, it was off. He did check the computer and found no errors other han it could have been the gas cap.

    2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe Granite Crystal over Saddle
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  • gomer51gomer51 Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2005 volvo s40....bought it new, two months after i bought it, the check engine light came on....here i am 2 years later and it has come on a total of 5 times. When i take it in to get fixed, ive heard everything from "check the gas cap"( which it wasnt the problem" to a "power surge" to "massive air flow". I just recently had to take it in again. One week ago today, was told it was an emission problem this time...they reset the light, and guess what...its back on today! Called them back and was told that once a month they have a specialist come in...and they would have to look at my car. Didnt relize i needed a speacialist for my car, considering i took it to a volvo dealership(where i bought it from) its served as a good comuter car, but its also been a headache! Im almost done with it completly. :mad:
  • henryxfordhenryxford Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking at used Volvos (among other cars), and wondering if someone can explain the real world difference between DSTC and the older STC. Am I missing out by just getting STC? I'm looking at model year 2005 and older. Seems like DSTC came out in 2007 or 2006?
  • warrior_prwarrior_pr Member Posts: 28
    What kind of gasoline are you using 87,89,93? Look what I said in a previous message:

    "I have an S40 2006 2.4i and had the same problem. Solution: Start using regular (87 or 89) gasoline instead of Premium 93 I was using. Performance did not get any down penalty and the light go off until today (12000 miles). Good Luck "

    Hope this help you !!!! ;)
  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    DSTC is a yaw control program.
    It is designed to lessen the possibility of the car spinning out of control in bad weather.
    It controls both the throttle and all 4 brakes.
    STC is just traction control. It will lessen the chance of the front wheels breaking traction. It controls the throttle and the front brakes.
    If you live in a snowy climate DSTC is a good thing to have. Otherwise, the regular STC system will do nicely.
  • volvos40hatervolvos40hater Member Posts: 1
    I'd recommend getting rid of it. I have a 2001 Volvo S40 and it has been nothing but trouble. The only redeeming quality is that it is paid for. The check engine light has been on for a majority of the past 5 years. I can only take it to the Volvo dealership and they can never "fix" it for longer than a day. The o2 sensors (front and rear)have been replace a total of 9 times. I am getting rid of it this year, and going for a Honda, ready for a reliable car!
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    A 2001 S40 is the joint Mitsubishi/Volvo car right?
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    yes.

    It is, if i remember correctly, a Mitsu Charisma elsewhere.

    '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

  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    Not quite.
    It only shares the floorpan w/ the Carisma.
    Some of the lesser Euro versions also used Mitsu engines, but the US version used a Volvo engine.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    really? That was a volvo engine?
    I'm surprised.
    Where did they get that one from? That was ... i believe ... a 2.4 4-banger, right? Was that exclusive to the S40? Seems like a pretty expensive venture to make a dedicated engine for your low-end car.

    I know Mitsu makes a 2.4, so I never thought it was anything other than a Mitsu. That and it had a Mitsu turbocharger on it, didn't it?

    '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

  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    The US S40 used a 1.9l Turbo 4. It was essentially the 2.4l 5 cyl minus 1 cyl.
    The 5 cyl was part of a modular engine family, the 4, 5 and 6 cyl engines were essentially the same design.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    oooohhh... 1.9 ... that's right.
    thanks for the refresher.

    '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

  • volvomaxvolvomax Member Posts: 5,238
    anytime :D
  • harddrivetharddrivet Member Posts: 90
    The Volvo S40 looks boring just like all Volvo's.
    Why is it so small?
    For such a small car it gets terrible gas mileage.
    It does not offer any sporty options.
    My question is why would anyone buy it?
    :confuse:
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    And my question to you is why would you even bother to ask this question here?

    My answer to you is:

    S40 is arguably the most stylish small sedan and is rather beautiful to me.
    The gas mileage is in line with all direct competition
    S40 has surprisingly large interior volume for its "smallish" look.

    Volvo in general is not in the business of building sport cars. You need to look elsewhere for it.
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    I'm more curious as to why someone takes the time to go on a message board and post such things. I think I'd rather be doing something else.

    I think it is a very nice, sleek looking car. Not sure why anyone would think it is small? It isn't the size of a Honda Fit or something. It is a compact car, so it isn't going to be the size of a Buick, but somehow I think that wasn't the point of the post anyway, was it?
  • lev_berkovichlev_berkovich Member Posts: 858
    It is shorter than BMW 3 or Audi A4 or Acura TSX, that is why some may consider it small, but the interior volume is respectful due to the clever traverse engine mount.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    I'm more curious as to why someone takes the time to go on a message board and post such things.

    I spell it T-R-O-L-L-ing for a response. ;b

    '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

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    the proper response? Don't feed 'em! ;)
  • divewreckdivewreck Member Posts: 50
    My 05 S40 is in the shop because of an engine warning message. Volvo immediately diagnosed the problem as an air cooling fan. While in the shop, they gave me an 07 model - I can't believe Volvo has not updated the interior, such as the placement of the armrest, lack of storage space, especially in the door, and has not improved the car's blind spots. Otherwise, still a great car
  • monavemonave Member Posts: 2
    I want to buy a 2007 S40, but its side-impact rating from the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety is A for(just)acceptable, and this is mainly due to the rating of Marginal for the category, Torso; the IIHS says that broken ribs and internal organ injury are possible. It's hard to believe such a rating from the Company with a strong reputation for safety. Has anyone raised this issue with dealers or the Company? What do they say? I hate to ask this, but can anyone share experiences regarding side-impact crashes? (Yes, I know safety is more than side crashes, but side-impact protection is among my highest priorities for my new car.)
    Thanks
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    its really a personal thing, I think.

    For instance, I don't personally expect to have a steel barrier smash into the side of my car while I'm sitting still. What I mean is, the tests run by IIHS are extremely unlikely to directly reflect what will happen to you in the real world.

    But, yes, I realize you have to compare somewhere. All I can say is that if it really bothers you, you might want to look elsewhere. Or, if you are like me, unless the results are really horrific, you take those tests with a grain of salt and buy what your gut tells you to.

    '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

  • monavemonave Member Posts: 2
    Very good points, qbrozen. My gut and the car's good specs and standard features will be listened to. (But, maximum auto safety should be a universal, i.e., available to all, thing.) Thanks.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    :)

    i hope you enjoy it. And i hope the safety will never need come into question (meaning no accidents). :)

    '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

  • likalika Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    I am sooooooo happy I found this forum. I am from Russia, I live now in Canada for about 8 months, and was thinking about buying a car. I never drived before, so I don't know which car is good. Everybody suggesting to get a Civic, they say it's a good car and excellent on gas. I was thinking about Volvo S40(2006). How much oil will this car use per day? I will drive about 50 km/day, 5 days/week. Can someone help me please? I don't know who to ask, when you go to the dealler they always say something to make it look good, they are very pushy. Please help me!!!!! Thank you.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,889
    base model or T5? AWD or FWD? stick or automatic?

    The S40 in any configuration will never get the kind of mileage a Civic does, but that is because it is a different class of car. It is quite a bit heavier, and can be equipped to be more powerful.

    '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

  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    I own a 2006 S40 T5...It can get over 30 MPG highway at average speeds. Around town it can be as low as 16 MPG. While I love my Volvo, most of the time, for the money and for what appears to be a first car I'd recommend the Honda Civic. My daughter's is great all around and the initial cost is much less as well as ownership costs being among the best around.
    Good luck.
    Charlie :)
  • snead_csnead_c Member Posts: 64
    I just did my first filter cartridge change ...it was by far the most difficult I've experienced in my 60 years of life ! I secured the special cap needed to remove the cartridge top but there is not enough space to get the cap out and away from the engine. After over an hour I squeezed the used cartridge out and squeezed the new one in but I'm preparing to return to the dealer for all future changes without help.
    Has anyone come up with an "easy way ?"
    :confuse:
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