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How to Check Your Antifreeze Strength
Antifreeze (coolant) circulates through the engine to keep it at its ideal running temperature. It’s water-based. The problem is that if it’s pure water, it freezes at 0C or 32F, and it will literally crack your engine. Yes, freezing water is stronger than iron or aluminum metal.
Thus we have antifreeze. It drastically reduces the temperature at which water freezes, so that we don’t have to buy new engines every year.
But because antifreeze can lose its strength for a variety of reasons, it’s a good idea to check the temperature at which your Volvo’s antifreeze, well, freezes. This Volvo Repair Database post tells you how to do that. Hint: it costs less than $5 and takes less than 5 minutes. Continue reading How to Check Your Antifreeze Strength
S80, V70 (2001+), S60, XC90 Blower Motor Repair Tutorial
I’ve had trouble with my interior climate control blower fan squealing at startup, more persistently when it’s cold out.
The problem has become more frequent over the past year, so I finally decided it was time to replace the blower motor. The first post in this thread was quite helpful for my 2001 V70, but I wanted to post up pictures and a few hints regarding the specific application of a blower motor replacement in my vehicle in the hopes that these pictures can be of use to some of you out there.
Volvo Engine Oil Change — The Easy Way
I wrote a short and sweet DIY for Oil Change using wood ramps and no need to jack the car up. Basically as sweet and simple as possible! You can do this for under 30 minutes.
[Have a newer Volvo? See this S80, S60 and V70 2001+ Oil Change DIY forum topic.]
NOTE: Best is to do this with warm engine, so after a trip somewhere, park it at home and let it cool down for 30 minutes or so. I change my oil twice a year, or about 5K-6K miles. I don’t want to get into a debate about change interval (Maintenance minder, 5K, 7.5K, 10K, and so on). This is what I do and is what I believe in: every 5-6K miles or so.
* WINTER: 5W30 Synthetic Oil for easier cold start.
* SUMMER: 10W30 Synthetic Oil (Standard Oil is fine too).
PCV Job for V70 and S70 Non-turbo
Since mine is a Non-Turbo, there are minor different designs compared with Turbo Models. In addition, I will point to areas of possible problems for people.
- Read the above write-up for Turbo.
- Copy Radio AM FM channels, disconnect battery for safety.
- Remove electrical connections to Throttle and Idle Valve
- Remove these 2 hoses (my vacuum hose is brittle so I replaced it)
- The PCV connection to elbow: turn it Counter-Clockwise (when viewed end on, similar to opening a bottle cap) a bit, it will come off the plastic Elbow.
Torquing Control Arm Bolts Using A Jack
I have installed new control arms and I am at the point where I need to torque the bushing bolts. I have my car up on ramps but that gives me very limited access to the nuts, to work my torque wrench into place. I’ve read where some have put the hub under load using a jack. That seems like it would give me the room I need but I don’t know how to carry out this procedure. Any advice?
No Brakes When Cold, Volvo V70
No Brakes Symptoms
After a startup when engine is cold there is no brake assist, the brake pedal feels very hard, braking efficiency is very low and for some reason it feels worse when driving in reverse.
No Brakes Solution
Vacuum pump and/or switch replacement
I bought the parts from FCP:
$179.55 for the Pump – 31317445
$8.99 for the Snap-on Coupling – 30744403
$59.95 for the Vacuum Switch – 31265825
No Brakes When Cold – Vacuum Pump/Switch Replacement with Pics
Ball Joint/Control Arm Survey
Control arm brand advice
“I just replaced both A-arms with the $38 ones from FCP. Considering it only takes less than 30 minutes per arm to change, I don’t care if they only last 1-2 years.
Also, I’d like to hear from the group that has bought the cheaper version that their a-arms are still going strong after 2-5 years? You always hear about the failures but rarely do people comment when nothing goes bad.”
Some CDs Not Working in My SC 901
Try different blank CDs? Clean the lens?
My question may be stupid, but where is the lens ? I can’t see it.. I have the radio on my table, I removed the top cover and I don’t see anything that looks like a lens. Do I have to dismantle something else to have access to the lens or I’m just blind and I don’t recognize the lens ?
Volvo 240 Tailgate Chomped My Wires
A common problem on 240 estates (wagons) is breakdown of the wiring to the rear lights and heated rear screen due to bad design. The wiring runs around the hinge on the tailgate and eventually wears through.
This is a clear, easy to follow write-up on how to repair/replace the wiring if it does happen to you.