Volo Chip in 2001 xc70 - Alternator/Regulator dies!!

jasonyounkin · Post by **jasonyounkin** » 25 Jul 2010, 14:08

I just installed a Volo Dynamic Soft Load Chip into my 2001 xc 70. I have done other hi performance Mods.. and was reluctant to put a "chip" into it.. you tap into the obd 2 port with this chip and it "patches" or replaces the stock Mapping with the upgraded mapping. hhmm..... I took it for a test drive after.. it was nice.. a bit more powerful and Smooth.. .. smooth power. I went on a 1 hr bike ride.. came back.. car started fine.. 5 min into the drive.. all the light s were flickering a bit.. a few min later.. the lights got extremely bright and the "over volatge" Warning light came on.. Got it home with no worries.. opened hood.. happen to find some headlight wires were getting worn by the Serpentine belt.. I thought this could have been the culprit. I patched them up.. and was done for the night. I got up this morning to a dead battery. I jumped it.. and it was fine.. then "low voltage" light came on.. drove it around the block and it dies and " ABS SERVICE" light came on.. hhmm.. I disconected the Chip straight away.. and towed the car home as it would not move.... Im getting about 10-11 volts out of the Alternator/Regulator.. which is obviously too Low... Last night i was getting 14 volts... or so...

This car has 120,000 miles on it.. and has been extremely reliable and fast. I have had very few problems.. despite what other 2001 xc70 owners have gone through..

Anybody think the chip was responsible for this? or was it just a coincidence? While test driving the car.. i did drive it quite fast and hard..

Should I remove the Chip?

I wonder if it messed with the ECU and thats what blew it..

any insight out there would be great!

Post by **JRL** » 25 Jul 2010, 15:26

Who or what is Volo?
Been around Volvos for a very long time and I've never heard of them.
and yeah, if you actually can remove everything that was flashed in, do it and buy a reputable ECU flash.

On the other hand, these cars freak out with a low (dead and buried) battery or a low charging system
Install a new battery and try again

jasonyounkin · Post by **jasonyounkin** » 25 Jul 2010, 17:29

Volo Dynamics.com.. check em out.. .. I pulled the Alternator already.. and am going to get another... or maybe just the Regulator. .. just cant decide if i should pull the "chip" out... i have disconnected it now.. .. yes i agree an ECU re write is the best way.. but.. 1K.. .. but i guess you get what you pay for!

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 25 Jul 2010, 19:56

I do know a bit about these as I researched the HHO model when I was interested in HHO for my car. All the online forums say stay away; and that it is just a box with an LED and resistor inside. That said, I don't believe the failure is related as the Volo in my opinion based on my research is hokum which I would love to be true. Buy a used alternator from Erie Volvo on eBay with a lifetime warranty, AFTER your get your battery tested with an AVR after charging

InMotion tuning is the cheapest legitimate ECU flasher around, although he comes with mixed reviews, he knows his stuff over the phone.

- Jesse

jasonyounkin · Post by **jasonyounkin** » 26 Jul 2010, 19:26

Thanks for the advice.. i have the alternator in the mail.. i think it was just co-incidence.. but will look into the ECU flash...

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 27 Jul 2010, 06:31

Do me a favour and please open up your Volo and post a picture!!! I would like to see it, if you aren't scared

- Jesse

jasonyounkin · Post by **jasonyounkin** » 29 Jul 2010, 14:28

just got everything put back together..and all is well... I will try to get a shot of the chip soon... but its all tucked away now.. It is just a chip and some kind of small circuit board.. I 'm going to test it a bit later... I went for the VP 12 Chip...

Post by **JDS60R** » 29 Jul 2010, 15:11

BMW guys have been through this chip . Here is a link to the dyno tests before and after installation

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showth ... ?p=3607655

jasonyounkin · Post by **jasonyounkin** » 08 Aug 2010, 00:58

Well.. have been driving the car.. with new Volo Chip and its great!.. shifts smoother, and has noticeably more power.. 1 MPG less on my counter.. but no worries.. seems to be worth it!