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Volvo S80
Octane And The Turbocharged Engine
Any time you compress air it’s going to increase in temperature, with a turbo charger it’s no different. The more boost you run the more heat is imparted to the air going into the engine. This heat along with latent heat from the previous combustion cycle can increase enough that the fuel can actually ignite before the spark plug lights it off, which is called pre-ignition or ping. Pre-ignition can be very damaging to an engine if it is severe enough or occurs over a long enough period of time. So higher octane fuels help avoid this. Continue reading
Restore Your Seats… Perfectly
After striking out on finding suitable replacement seats in the local pick ‘n pull, I opted for the Elwood Industries replacement seat covers. The black although not an exact match to my dark charcoal, is practically speaking, so close as to be virtually unnoticeable as a different color. Continue reading
Front O2 Sensor Error P0132
My 99 V70XC was giving a P0132 code which relates to the front oxygen sensor. It was reading near static at 0.45. This can mean that the sensor is bad or it is sooted up. Continue reading
ECC Climate Control Temp Sensor Measurements Made Easier
I’m in the process of trying to figure out why the ECC climate control system on my ’97 855 GLT (158k miles) is unhappy and blinking its AC and REC lights at start up. As best I can tell the system functions as intended: AC is cool, fan blows normally, temperature tracking seems ok, position knobs for upper and lower vents direct the air properly, the recirculation switch makes the damper move into recirculate mode, etc. I’m just going through the system checking out components to try and find one or more that isn’t working right. Continue reading
Given Up on your Headlight Wipers Yet?
For those with headlight wipers, have you given up on them? Vote in our poll. Continue reading
Exhaust Terminology: Resonators, Downpipes & Inches
The most performance gains are seen from the turboback exhausts, which are sold either as a unit (IPD for example) or separately as a downpipe (the section from the turbo to the end of the cat) plus a catback. Continue reading
FCP’s How-To Video Tutorials
FCP’s S60 Timing Belt Replacement Video Tutorial FCP’s S60 Power Steering Repair Video Tutorial FCP’s S60, S80, V70, XC70 Rear Brake Replacement Video Tutorial Brake Upgrade to 302mm
How do Volvo turbo control valves (TCV) work?
When they fail, how do they fail? Its a pulse modulated solenoid. So it opens and closes like a fuel injector to get the right boost characteristics throughout the entire rpm range. No air is lost in these systems. They … Continue reading
Keep or Sell 2001 S80?
I own a 2001 S80 2.9L and have done my best to keep up with the basic maintenance. Being a 11-year-old car and at 105K miles, it has never left me stranded which is awesome because I’ve owned some pretty crappy cars in the past. Even still, I’m a little paranoid about it breaking down. A few things have straight-up broken ($$$ window regulator thingy) but otherwise I’ve just been paying for maintenance required for an aging car. Approximately $300/month for repairs alone. That’s kind of a lot for me. Continue reading