Just returned home from Stillman Volvo, had the airbag recall performed. In and out in less than an hour. New air bag is charcoal color, matching original. The whole operation was painless, received the notice three weeks ago, called the dealer, set an appointment 2 weeks away (could have had one t...

Has the ETM ever been replaced? I'd start by searching this forum and the ETM Room forum.

I imagine the original poster used ETC = Electronic Throttle Control. In Volvo speak, it's really an ETM = Electronic Throttle Module. It attaches to the intake manifold and can get gunked up with carbon, etc. Search ETM cleaning or read about them on the ETM forum. Lots of electronic problems with ...

A few years ago, I replaced my alarm with a Volvo unit purchased from a Volvo dealer. This was due to the "Alarm System Service Required" message. It was plug and play, and the message was off at the next ignition key on...no Vida or engine cycles. I think your mechanic owes you an explana...

the belts don't break, the pulleys wear out and throw the belt. the water pump is due too. This is sound advice. With the mileage and age of your 2002, if you throw a belt, it's time for another car. The cost of repairing the engine just won't be worth it. I believe if you are thinking about new be...

If you replace the TB, WP and both pulleys, and then have a front cam seal blow out later, you will have a real oily mess on your new parts. and you'll be redoing the belt anyway. Best to do the seals while you are in there. Just need to make sure the cams are locked (don't move) and the cam gears a...

I'd be concerned with the internals of your engine based on the crud on your oil cap. You are already @ 286k miles with blow-by. Maybe an engine flush and PCV job should be 1st in line?

...you are going to need to spend some $ and effort to keep her running reliably.

What exactly do you mean by "engine flush"? Google "engine flushing". You will get tons of info, both for and against flushing. But if I wasn't clear enough, the crud on the top of your oil cap indicates pretty dirty internals possibly due to high mileage, little service and/or ...

Likely coil, spark plug or grounding for cylinders 1 and 2. Check that the wiring loom plugged into each coil is tight, snapped into place, and not coated with oil. Make sure each coil is secured by the hold down bolt. Double check the mating surface is clean since the coil is grounded thru the hold...

If your siren isn't working, wouldn't that indicate that you put a good battery in a bad siren? I know it's expensive, but I replaced my siren a few years back and have not had a problem since. It had a dead battery. Volvo electricals are complicated. When something isn't connected properly or at th...