Volvo Repairs, Fixes & News
V70GLT 2000 Starting issue - Cold or Hot
This is a classic problem caused by a faulty ignition switch.
“This uncovered something I hadn’t noticed before…that the fuel pump does not come on right away when the key is in the ‘ON’ position. Sometimes I have to wait 5-10 seconds, then I can hear it turn on and click off. The water temp gauge and ETS light both follow the fuel pump - they don’t respond until the fuel pump does. When the pump cycles off, the ETS light turns off as well.
What I must have been doing was cranking the engine before the fuel pump switched on. If I wait with the key in the ON position until the pump cycles, the car starts.”
Making It Faster
“Is there anything worth doing performance wise or should I save my money and look into a turbo model?” This is a perennial question on MVS Forums. Generally, the answer is “sell it and get a turbo car.” But MVS member tjts1 may have uncovered a three-step process to making way more power from a NA (normally aspirated) Volvo:
1. Install an early 960 throttle plate
2. Fix the airbox thermostat
3. Install a non-restricting air intake
“A naturally aspirated 850 5 speed with minimal intake modifications can be as quick as a stock automatic 850 turbo with much better fuel economy and probably more reliable in the long term.”
clock/ thermometer flashing
If your clock and temperature gauge is flashing on your dash, disconnecting your battery (negative cable) for 30 seconds or longer and when connecting it back up, having your key in position II of your ignition could help restore normalcy.
Diamler: No Volvo Purchase
Volvo Cars will remain with US giant Ford for the time being, according to Der Speigel.
BERLIN (AFP) - German car giant Daimler has decided not to buy Swedish-based Volvo Cars from ailing U.S. Ford, according to the weekly Der Spiegel’s upcoming edition. “Daimler boss Dieter Spiegel has carried out a close examination of a possible purchase in the past few weeks and acknowledged a series of possible drawbacks,” the German weekly says.
Ford Motor Co. said at the beginning of last month that it was reviewing strategic options for Volvo Car Corp. “in response to the significant decline in the global auto industry particularly in the past three months and the severe economic instability worldwide.” Ford said the review probably would take several months to complete, adding that it would continue to work closely with Volvo Cars, which is restructuring “to operate on a more stand-alone basis” under chief executive Stephen Odell. Der Spiegel said Daimler’s great rival BMW had also turned down the chance to take over Volvo, leaving Ford with little hope of finding a buyer, though it mentioned China’s Changan as a possibility.
source: Marketwatch
850 headliner rear clips
After much ado, wolfspiritky was able to figure out the rear clips on his 850, rear headliner clips. Also contained in this thread is information about the newer V70 headliner. I hope it’s helpful to someone. - MIJ
Thermostat replacement on heated seats.
A great writeup on replacing the seat heater thermostat with good pictures.
Tire recommendation
Folks, need your suggestions on what tire to get and where. I am looking at getting an all season tire, I do city and hwy driving, the 1995 855 turbo is our current travel car, so hwy is mostly what is has been seeing lately. I do care about wet performance, and not so much on high performance street tire as this car is more a travel car.
I have hear of some good things about Kumho Ecsta ASX which I found at tirerack.com for $62 + shipping + road hazard.
Responses: “The OFFICIAL size was changed by Volvo in mid ‘96 when everyone was bending wheels. The correct size now is 205/55/16.” and “I have 205/50/16 tires on the ‘94 and 205/55/16 tires on the ‘96. With the 50s I can feel every pebble on the road. The 55s are much smoother riding.”
Reset Service Light Volvo S40, V40
S40 and V40 (1999+)
- Hold down the odometer button
- Turn the ignition so all the lights come on
- Keep holding the odometer down for 30 secs or until the service light starts flashing
- Release the odometer button while service light flashing
- Turn off and on again to check