Disenchanted with my VolvoS80

Purchased a used 2000 S80Volvo with 70K from an individual in April.
Since then, I replaced the front and back brakes because I received a
message for ABS Service Required code along with a STC code. The codes
continued to appear after I had the brakes replaced. I suspected that
since I hadn't replaced the brakes at a "Volvo Dealership" that they
were not able to turn off the codes. Unfortunately, the nearest
dealership is 70 miles away. A few weeks later, my car died as I was
driving down the highway at about 50 mph. I happened to be in front of
an Autozone but nothing they could do, it's a Volvo and parts would
have to be ordered. I had it towed. The mechanic said it was the Mass
Air Flow Sensor. He replaced it. Days later I had a different mechanic
who worked only on foreign cars say that the alternator needed to be
replaced at the tune of $674. including parts and labor. About a week
after that, I took it to a Volvo Dealership because of an Emission
System Service Required Code had appeared. The dealership hooked it up
their machine and it said that I was in need of a MFI module 8619545-0
Code ABS 0070 and Replaced ABS Control Module at the tune of $944.89.
Now after ALL of that money spent, one would think the problems would
cease! The dealership also said that the Mass Air Flow Sensor must be
faulty and would need to be replaced. I checked with my hometown
mechanic and he said he would replace it for me BUT that he had done
some research online and said that it was sounding like I would need to
replace the throttle body??? That it could be causing the Mass Air
Flow Sensor damage. ??? He also stated that you can't order that part.
???? Why not??? I'm confused. Am I too trusting?? Or is this the
reality of having a volvo???

 

I must say that I am gald I don't own one of the newer Volvos, but:

When replacing the AMM (Air Mass meter or MAFS as your mechanic called
it) it is imperative to also at leas tcheck if not replace the
thermostat in the air cleaner box. When these fail and allow only hot
air to enter the air intake system, AMM failure is not far behind. He
should know this.. after all, I am just an idiot shadetree mechanic
and I know it! ;-) As far as replacing the throttle body, if it has
the electronic throttle body then it is a failure point if the posts
here have any strength. Otherwise, maybe someone else here can comment
on he interrelationship.....?

The ABS units on some models are somewhat prone to failure but they
CAN be repaired! Do a google for "Volvo ABS computer repair":

This fellow is in Southern California who does this, tests them, and
guarantees his work for $130:
http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/Volvo_Parts/Volvo_V70_ABS.htm
I ahve communicated with him by E-mail and he seems like a decent
enough fellow and hs website is quite informative.

This place:
http://www.autoecu.com/Products/default.asp
is in Florida.

This place:
http://www.modulemaster.com/volvoabsbsrepair.html
Charges $130.

I would easily bet $150 to keep from spending over $900!

I didn't check on alternator prices, but if the regulator was throwing
voltage spikes or high AC voltage through the system it could account
for some of the electronic failures.


__ __
Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
\__/olvos
'90 245 Estate - '93 965 Estate
"Shelby" & "Kate"

 

Did your mechanic mention the ETM- I understand that models 1999-2001 have
an issue------Car will die, usually at an inopportune time....I'm looking at
a 1999 v70 wagon currently, but .......

 

ABS failure is almost caused by worn brake pads, it is generally a
sensor or the $$$$ controller.

These modern high-tech cars are chock full of very expensive electronics
as you have found. One reason to parts prices are so high is that they
are custom pieces you can only buy through the dealer.

Personally I would unload a vehicle which is throwing that many big $$$
curve balls. The S80 has not proven to be a highly reliable vehicle in
the long run.

John

 

I'll check into it. Thanks!

 

I'll check into it. Thanks!

 

Very much appreciate the input! Thanks!