Newbie questions

[Ghent]

Well, I took the plunge and bought my first Volvo. After totaling my 2001 TL (holding my heart here) because of an uninsured deer, I a) needed a car and b) needed a car for my 15-year-old daughter to learn on. So I bought a 1998 GLT with 170K described by the seller as a "20-footer". "What's that?" I asked. I should have seen his response coming: "Well, from 20 feet, it looks like a new car!"

She came with a new set of Korean tires, a new timing belt, many scratches and a busted antenna and (I think) driver door stop. So far I have replaced the air filter, cabin air filter, battery, and replaced the SC-813 with an SC-816. I also bought a replacement dipstick, but it didn't seat well - I think it must be the one that has to use a replacement filler tube. It works though.

So here are the current issues:
1. The plastic 2-piece air hose leading to the ECM module box has a tear. A big deal?
2. Check engine light is on. Haven't read the code myself, but the seller said it was the secondary air intake, which I understand might indicate air pump failure. Any advice? I don't have to have the emissions tested till August. I am thinking about buying a reader.
3. Bulb failure light is on - I've read all about that one.
4. Lamp is out on presets 1-3 - I'll steal some bulbs from the old SC-813.

This thing drives wonderfully. I like to fix things (although I am no mechanic - most complicated thing i have done is replace a starter motor) so I think it'll be an adventure.

Thanks for all the info here. It's already made interesting and helpful reading.

[Ozark Lee]

Welcome to MVS, I am ready to just start lining my front fenders with deer stickers - I think at last count I was up to 6 or 7. Since I have a cabin in the Ozarks I carry zero deductible comprehensive coverage - it makes the deer suddenly insured.

To your questions:

1. The plastic 2-piece air hose leading to the ECM module box has a tear. A big deal?

Not at all, you can replace it fairly cheap but most of us just use some black electrical tape to seal it back up - either way it really doesn't much matter. It isn't under any real pressure and it simply supplies fresh air to the ECUs. I'm not so sure it isn't cooler just coming from under the hood than it is from getting sucked through the radiator shroud.

2. Check engine light is on. Haven't read the code myself, but the seller said it was the secondary air intake, which I understand might indicate air pump failure. Any advice? I don't have to have the emissions tested till August. I am thinking about buying a reader.

That may or may not be a big deal. As far as performance goes it means nothing but the SAS air pump is an expensive little turd and if you need to smog the car you won't pass without it working. Check the repair database, there is a thread on modifying a VW air pump to fit. Thank God none of mine have SAS. If you buy a code reader just get a cheap one that will read and reset the codes unless you are into checking real time performance readings.

It sounds like you have 3 & 4 covered. Make sure you have your radio code before changing the radio light.

...Lee

[JDS60R]

Hi Ghent,

I'm in Nashville also so feel free to contact if you need hands or help. Been working on cars boats, and motorcycles for 27 yrs.

Advance and Autozone offer a free code reader on site. They will read it out for free. I also have one to if you need it. Glad to see another Volvo owner in Nashville.

Let me know if you need anything,

John

[Georgeandkira]

Hello, Our cars were built in Ghent and my brother got married in Nashville. What a coincidence! Seriously-check the fluids of your new car. It would be a sin if the previous owner followed the instruction of Volvo and never changed the fluid. Disconnecting the top transmission cooling hose (in your case) and seeing the black stuff become red is downright fun. After combing the boards for years the SPECTER of P1 ownership is the failure of heater cores and A/C evaperators. Remember to shut off the A/C compressor 10 minutes before you turn the car off and run the fan to dry things. We're watching the drifting snow here in NJ and dreading sunrise. Enjoy your V70. Kira