2001 S80 with HU-611 sound system

--- I have TERRIBLE reception on all but one powerful AM station.

This is a fairly recent development. For 2-1/2 years I had no problem at
all. Then the quality of AM reception began to degrade. I became aware of
a factory "fix" involving a brass strip Volvo authorized its dealers to
perform, but never found time to get the car in to the dealer while the car
was still under warranty. Seemed like a waste of time to tie the thing up
for such a trivial thing --- especially when it meant I'd have to struggle
without a loaner car for a day while they worked on it.

But nonetheless --- I eventually DID take it in, even though it was out of
warranty and I actually PAID good money to have the work performed a month
ago.

Guess what?

No help.

So I took it back and they looked at it again and supposedly fixed it right.
The service writer relaid a story from the tech who worked on the car,
saying he "found" a loose connection, but don't worry - I tightened it up
real good this time.

Guess what?

It STILL doesn't work!

In fact it's WORSE THAN EVER by a factor of 10.

The only problem - if it can be called a problem - is that 10% to 20% of the
time it works perfectly. Which means (I guess) that the radio IS capable of
performing as it was designed to do. The problem is that 80% to 90% of the
time it won't.

Now I'm getting conversation from the dealer to the effect that "Well, in
Europe, they don't even care about AM radio...yada yada yada." and I'm
thinking "So what? I don't live in Europe. And I DO care about AM radio!
I want it fixed.

Somebody told me I cannot take this thing to a radio shop and have an
external antenna installed. Is this correct?

Then what can I do with it? The dealer is incompetent. He has my money and
would prefer now that I just went away.

Pat

 

your dealer is full of sh%$...there is a wwll known "fix" and tech
bullitin that is in the volvo VADIS system...all s80's (except new
ones) had the mfg defect that caused very poor am radio
recptn...something about how they grounded (or failed to) the am radio
antenna...give your dealer one more chance, tell them you will be
contacting volvo of north america and the us auto repair / consumer
group about this well known, documented volvo defect....they should fix
it for free...fix it corectaly as well....good luck !! keep the group
posted...you need to demonstrate to the dealer you are a educated
informed volvo driver...i would report this dealer to volvo of n
america as well, as they rate all the dealers and need to weed out the
bad ones...

 

Thanks for the advice.

This morning I re-called the dealer and he said I could bring it back and
they would run a HD antenna cable from the radio to the rear of the car (he
didn't finish explaining but I believe he would have added that it would be
connected to an external antenna). Currently the car has no visible
external antenna. I interrupted him and asked who would pay? He answered
that I would pay. I asked how much? He said "About $400.00." (As I said
earlier - the AM antenna "fix" with the little brass strip has already been
performed AT MY EXPENSE.) He said "Yeah, let's get that cable done and see
if that takes care of it."

Excuse me? "See if that takes care of it"? So - I guess if it doesn't then
I should just bring the car back and let you try something else at my
expense? And what if that doesn't work?

ARRRGGGH!

So anyway I called 1-800-458-1552 > 3 and talked to a customer service rep.
I might as well have pissed on a duck. I got no satisfaction at all. The
only commitment that guy made was to say he'd "enter my comments into the
record on this incident".

Completely, totally unsatisfactory.

Anybody want to buy a well maintained S80 with a radio that works fine on FM
and CD? It looks real nice.

Pat

 

wrong...do not add any external antenna...the s80's is built in
or hidden and works fine once hooked up and grounded right...

go to another dealer, and report your current dealer to volvo
corp...and..let
us all know so we don't take our volvos to the flakey dealer...do some
searching on the consumer reports / auto recall web sites, or do a car
fax ($15) on your volvo & vin and you will get a print out of the
nation wide
recall and fix for the poor am reception on all s80's...then you will
have
the recall/fix tec number and something in hand to show the dealer...

i would not let some clown install a "outside" antenna on my s80....

good luck !! keep us posted...

 

you can try callong my local volvo shop...carl the owner taak a quick
looksie at mine (2000)
the other day and told me all about the am radio problems...(carl @
970.225.2559)..
he told me if the re gounding he did did not ttly fix the problem (it
seemed to have) he could
do the volvo recomended install of a amp (new version) and some sort of
antenna pig tale
fitting....anyway, what i am trying to let you know is it is a well
known s80 problem...you just
need to find a mechanic who knows what they are doing......but, if you
do decide to sell...what color,
miles, xtras, and asking price? location, etc...i may be
interested......

 

....that's exactly what I did. In my previous posts I said: "So anyway I
called 1-800-458-1552 > 3"

That number is Volvo's North American hotline. They were as unhelpful as
the dealer - Shelly Volvo in Buena Park, CA. I also had unsatisfactory
answers on this and a number of issues with my selling dealer - Volvo of
Orange County. That's two separate dealers and now the Volvo Corp itself
which have all pretty much told me to go piss up a rope.

Not a problem.

No more Volvos for me or any body in my extended family.

Pat

 

sounds screwed up Pat...try long beach
volvo..or dump it and get a different car...let
me know the miles & price...i may be interested...

my mechanic can fix these problems pretty
easily......

 

....the natural question is "Where are YOU - and where is your mechanic?
Anywhere close to me?

Pat

PS - there's 5 pics posted of the car from various times last year at
http://www.brickboard.com/GALLERY/?model=S80
the mileage as of today is about 74,500

Until now I hadn't even thought about getting rid of it or what it might be
worth.

 

pat...i am 1,000 miles away (northern colorado) your s80 is probabally
worth around $9-12k...it l@@k's nice....Check w/long beach volvo
or find a good independent is so calie...i am sure they are
around...check
w/the local volvo club, they would know of someone good...then send the
bitt to volvo no america and explain how their dealers refused to fix a
known mfg defect (have dates, people you talked with, etc.) post this
info to us here on the volvo board, explain to volvos of north america
how
you are publicing the event and char w/the LA Times auto guy....I am
sure
they would like to hear of your volvo expierences, they are already
doing
articals on the big ETM problem w/volvo inc...

 

Try putting the power locks up and down when the reception is crappy and
see what happens.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

Mike F...when i did the locks or popped the window
switch, my radior reception seemed to change, sometimes
for the better....did this have something to do w/the grounding?

in my 1993 940t...doing the same thing made the front left
speakers start to work again...some sore of wiring gremlen...

 

I had seen that advice somewhere --- maybe in this NG a while back --- and
I've tried it. No luck.

Sometimes external inputs DO make a difference. Sometimes it seems like the
smoothness or roughness of the pavement can influence it, and although I
would not characterize the interference as "ignition sourced" I've been
curious about IMPROVEMENTS in reception (temporary of course) when I pull
the shifter down to 2nd and accelerate. It's probably just a coincidence.

Pat

 

Pat...some tec info i came across...your dealer has acess to all of
this info...
If I were you, I think I would "open a case" w/the ca auto breau of
repairs, they
are located in sacramento and license all dealers...they have the power
to make
your dealer "treat you fairly", they would also assign a case number
you could
use w/volvo of no america....it starts a paper trail...anyway i woll
post the tec info a can gather up...good luck !!

----------snip--------------------------
Audio System - Poor AM Band Reception
S80
1999-

Section3

Group39

No.
0018

Year04

Month02

Diagnostics for radio reception on the AM waveband

Background

Before carrying out diagnostics and fault-tracing according to this
Service Bulletin, see Tech Net Note 39-35 dated 4-3-2003.

This Service Bulletin describes how to carry out diagnostics,
fault-trace and to remedy poor AM radio reception.

Important! Read the following information before carrying out
diagnostics.

Affected Vehicle

Model Factory Chassis No.

S80 1 000570-

Material

Description Quantity P/N

Antenna cable 1 9438707
Tape 0,5m 9128331
Tie strap 2 983750

Special tool

Description Reference to Tool Bulletin P/N

Terminal removal tool, White From Terminal repair kit 951 2639
9512946 or 9512647 (STB 95)

Radio equipment AM radio diagnostics, reception

Design and Function 1

AM reception is received via the integrated antenna above the rear
windshield heating loops.
The antenna is connected to an antenna amplifier positioned on the
left-hand C-post.
The FM waveband uses a diversity system consisting of two antennas. One
of the diversity system antennas is integrated in the rear windshield
heating loops, the other is in the rear bumper.
Only cars with factory-installed radios have an antenna amplifier for
the diversity system. After market accessory radios may require
installation of an after market accessory antenna amplifier for the
diversity system for interference free FM reception.

Weak AM reception and/or reception of more than one station at a time 2

RECEPTION TEST

A "reception test" must be carried out before and after the diagnostic
procedure to ensure the AM signal is received properly by the radio.
The diagnostic procedure can lead to play or poor connection in a
remedied connector.

If it is necessary to carry out a repair, a "reception test" must be
carried out afterwards.

The purpose of the "reception test" is to compare "the test vehicle"
with a similar Volvo vehicle, equipped with the same model of radio and
antenna in the rear windshield, WITHOUT AM waveband reception problems.

The vehicles must be parked beside each other outdoors at least 30
meters away from buildings or any other constructions that might block
the radio signals.

AM waveband reception quality changes dramatically in the hours around
dusk and dawn. Take care when comparing a result obtained at dusk
and/or dawn with a result obtained at another time of day.

Start by finding the first clear audible radio station furthest down on
the AM waveband in a "similar" vehicle. Use the search button and note
all clear, audible radio stations. Repeat the same test procedure in
the "test vehicle" and compare the number of received stations.

Note! Certain types of tinted film applied to the rear windshield can
block the antenna signals (this applies to special lighter tinted films
which contain metal particles). If tinted film has been applied: Check
that the antenna wire in the rear windshield is not cut.

Diagnosing fault causes for weak AM waveband reception





Checking connections around the C-post 3

Weak AM waveband reception is often caused by poor connections or a
faulty antenna cable.

Note! Always carry out a reception test after a repair.

Listen to a weak radio station on the AM waveband whilst carrying out
the diagnosis.
Remove the C-post panel. See VADIS:
Repairing and installing
Function group 85
Bend the antenna cable (1) at the amplifier terminal.

If the speakers crackle when bending the antenna cable:- Remedy
according to SB390029: Improved radio reception, installing brass
mountings.

If no interference is heard:- check the antenna amplifier power supply
(2) and ground terminal (3)
- check the cable from the amplifier to the rear windshield (4). Check
for damage or loose connections.


If no faults are found, continue to the next stage.





Checking connections, continued 4

Check that connector (4) is connected correctly to the rear windshield.
Check that the AM cable positioned at the uppermost point is marked
with a white dash. Check that the text is pointing towards the rear
windshield.
Check terminal (4), which is similar to a 9 Volt battery terminal.
Check for oxidation.
Disconnect the connector. Check the mating surfaces. If the connecting
sockets are deformed, adjust using pliers.
If the repair is unsuccessful, replace the antenna amplifier.

Checking the tinted film on the rear windshield 5

If tinted film is applied to the rear windshield, check the antenna
wires for damage and adhesion.
Ask the customer if the application of tinted film affected AM waveband
radio reception.
It may be necessary to remove the tinted film for the antenna to
function properly.





On S80 cars with chassis numbers 000570-063999 6

Check the connector (1) under the rear seat at the C-post mounting.
Bend the coaxial cable on both sides of the connector
If no faults are found, continue to the next stage.
If a fault is found, carry out steps 10-13.





All cars 7

Check that the cable is not deformed.
If the coaxial cable is trapped the capacitance of the cable may
change.
Even if there is no visible damage a slight kink in the cable can cause
radio interference.
If no faults are found, continue to the next stage.





Resistance measurement 8

Measure the resistance between the FM antenna terminal pin (1) (the
lower) on the rear windshield and the antenna amplifier ground (2).
The value should be 7-14 Ohm.

The AM antenna terminal pin (upper) is not connected to ground. The
value must be infinite.

If no faults are found, continue to the next stage.





Routing a new antenna cable for a comparison test 9

This test is intended for cars with chassis nos. -064000

Remove:

- the radio. See VADIS:
Repairing and installing
Function group 39
Audio, radio equipment, Radio telephone
- the antenna cable (1) to the radio (2). Connect an antenna cable
between the radio and the antenna amplifier on the C-post.
Carry out another reception test to ensure that reception has improved.

If reception:

- has improved, replace the antenna cable on the left-hand side. See
stage 10-13: Antenna cable, replace
- has not improved, try another amplifier on the C-post.






Antenna cable, replace 10

Remove the secondary lock from the antenna cable connector which is
connected to the radio.

Note! The original coaxial cable on the left-hand side cannot be
removed from the vehicle.





Antenna cable, replace, continued 11

Disconnect the right-hand antenna cable from the connector
Bend the catch (1) upwards. Remove the cable using Terminal Removal
Tool 9512639.
Connect the right-hand antenna cable to the new replaced left-hand
antenna cable connector.
Cut off or secure the old antenna cable on the left-hand side to
prevent rattles.





Antenna cable, replace, continued 12

Remove the combined instrument panel, see VADIS:
Repairing and installing
Function group 38
Combined instrument panel, Replacing

Route the antenna cable from the radio up to the cable duct (1) behind
the combined instrument panel.
Loosely install the radio. Wind foam rubber P/N 9128331 around the
cable.
Secure the antenna cable to the cable duct using two tie straps.

Antenna cable, replace, continued 13

Remove:

- the hood catch mechanism. See VADIS:
Repairing and installing
Function group 82
Hood, hood catch mechanism
- sill trim panel, see VADIS:
Repairing and installing
Function group 84
Front and rear sill trim panel.

Route:- the antenna cable next to the existing wiring down to the door
sill
- the antenna cable next to the cable ducts inside the door sill to the
antenna amplifier on the C-post.

Note! Route the antenna cable all the way to the antenna amplifier on
the C-post before securing using tie straps.

Secure the antenna cable to the existing cable harness and cable ducts.
Use tie straps.
Reinstall the radio, the combined instrument panel and sill trim, the
hood catch mechanism and the C-panel.





WARRANTY STATEMENT:
Claims may be submitted under the New Car Warranty when there is a
documented customer complaint, using claim type 01.

 

Audio System - Poor AM Reception

NO: 39-35

DATE: 04/03/2003

MODEL/YEAR:
S80 MY 99 ->, S60 MY 01 ->

SUBJECT:
Poor AM Reception

CHASSIS:

REFERENCE:
Service Bulletin 39-0018 and 39-0025

DESCRIPTION:

Cases have been reported in which AM static will increase and maintain
a higher level resulting in complaints of poor AM reception. The
increase in AM static may be triggered by several reasons including:
bumps in the road closing the doors. The AM static will stop by several
reasons including:

Central Door Lock activation rear defrost activation touching the trim
covering the antenna amplifier.

SERVICE:

It has been determine the increase in AM static is due to a loose
connection between the antenna amplifier and antenna cable. To improve
the connection (and AM reception) this Tech Net Note provides
instructions to install a brass strip Part Number 30657370.





The brass strip must be bent as shown.

NOTE: It is critical not to exceed the 8 mm (5/16") length. If this
length is exceeded it will result is worse reception.





Install the brass strip into the antenna amplifier as shown.

Install antenna cable so that the locking clips are not on top of the
brass strip. It may help to push the locking clips to help seat
properly.

NOTE: After the antenna cable has been installed pull the antenna cable
to verity the locking clips are holding the antenna cable in the proper
position. If the antenna cable releases easily the locking clips were
not seated.





Picture of antenna amplifier after brass strip has been installed.





Warranty Information

 

I'm not sure why this helps - it may have something to do with the
grounding. Also I know that some of the problems can be caused by the
ground wire for the Upper Electrical Module (UEM), this may have
something to do with it.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)

 

Whenever I have reception problems, I pull out my $10 manual antenna,
plug that into the radio and see if anything improves the situation. If
it does, I know the problem is in the antenna system. If not, then the
problem's with the radio or interference coming from the car. Also, try
the radio with the engine off, which should remove most sources of
interference coming from the car.

--
Mike F.
Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
(But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)