Block Heater. Rearview Mirror, Window Advice please.

[dringer]

So I just bought a 1999 Volvo v70/xc awd and am in the process of fixing the few things that must be done.

First of all, I'm in Fairbanks Alaska and am going to need to install a block heater for the -50 degrees winters that we are gonna have. The mechanics around here charge about $470 for a volvo....Can I order a part and easily do this myself and will it actually work as well as those done in the shop?

I was adjusting my rear view mirror yesterday and it just popped right off in my hand, the metal rod that attaches it to the plastic piece coming down from the ceiling just snapped. How do you go about replacing that with a new (cheap) one?

And lastly, the passenger window will not roll up all the way. It was like that when I got it and the previous owner had already replaced the switch on the passengers side, she thought maybe the master switchboard needs to be replaced...is this easily done? I'm clever enough with logistical thinking....but cars aren't really my specialty!

Thanks so very much for any advice on these issues!!

[J5T]

The block heaters are fairly easy to attaching with one bolt to the engine block. I have done this before. Not sure about your other issues.

[jblackburn]

The master switch panel is a common failure point on the V70. You may pull it apart (pry around the edges of it with a flathead screwdriver and it will pop out of the door) and try to clean up the contacts on the switch with a qtip and rubbing alcohol.

If that doesnt work, head to www.switchdoctor.net to buy a remanufactured panel for a reasonable price.

[FlyingVolvo]

The master switch panel is a common failure point on the V70. You may pull it apart (pry around the edges of it with a flathead screwdriver and it will pop out of the door) and try to clean up the contacts on the switch with a qtip and rubbing alcohol.

If that doesnt work, head to http://www.switchdoctor.net to buy a remanufactured panel for a reasonable price.

+1

I've been using one of their switches for over a year, and I'm happy to say I've had no issues whatsoever!

[BEJinFbk]

Greetings and Welcome to the board. This is a great place for Volvo tips. You have arrived!

So I just bought a 1999 Volvo v70/xc awd and am in the process of fixing the few things that must be done.

First of all, I'm in Fairbanks Alaska and am going to need to install a block heater for the -50 degrees winters that we are gonna have. The mechanics around here charge about $470 for a volvo....Can I order a part and easily do this myself and will it actually work as well as those done in the shop?

Top of The List:
TIMING BELT! Be sure that it's been replaced at every 105K or every 7 years.
Losing this belt will Kill Your Car! Oh...And be sure the stereo works. Priorities, ya know?

As for the winter goodies, If you're handy with a wrench, this is easy stuff.
I'd bet they're quoting you an an entire "Winterizing" package. That should include the following:
Lighter weight oil and new filter. I prefer Mobil 1 5w-30 and an OEM filter, so a basic oil change.
Check the condition of the coolant - You can get a cheap antifreeze tester at NAPA.
Windshield washer fluid that's got antifreeze.( Mess this one up and you're outta luck 'til summer! )
Synthetic lube for the trans, bevel gear and diff. It'll roll much better when it's frosty out.
Silicone heat pads for the oil pan, trans and battery.( A small "maintenance" trickle charger also works very well ).
And of course, the block heater. You may stump some mechanics with this one...Most cars use a heating
element that replaces a freeze plug in the block, but there just isn't the space on a Volvo I-5 motor.
Volvo has an OEM heater that bolts on externally, on the back side of the block, just below the turbo.
It used to be P/N 9451756-2, but I'm pretty sure that it's changed. Give Continental in Anchorage a call.
A dealer only item that looks like this:

Engine%20Block%20Heater.jpg (16.24 KiB) Viewed 3000 times

I spent about an hour and a half installing the oil and tranny heatpads, the block heater and an OEM skid plate.
The skid plate can be very useful in preserving your oil pan in "Unplanned" driving situations...They do happen...
Cheap insurance that looks like THIS:

Engine protector for Gen 1.jpg (170.86 KiB) Viewed 3000 times

And here's what it looks like slightly used:

Dirty Skid Plate.jpg (107.67 KiB) Viewed 3000 times

I was adjusting my rear view mirror yesterday and it just popped right off in my hand, the metal rod that attaches it to the plastic piece coming down from the ceiling just snapped. How do you go about replacing that with a new (cheap) one?

I may just have one of those kicking around....

And lastly, the passenger window will not roll up all the way. It was like that when I got it and the previous owner had already replaced the switch on the passengers side, she thought maybe the master switchboard needs to be replaced...is this easily done? I'm clever enough with logistical thinking....but cars aren't really my specialty!

I concur that a dirty master switch is usually the culprit. Cleaning or replacment almost always gets that one fixed.
One can also pop the local switch ( the one at the door that has an open window ) and put 12 volts to the right place
for a "right now" fix.

Thanks so very much for any advice on these issues!!

Should you elect to farm the work out, check with Rob at European Car Care on South Cushman, across from TESCO.
I believe that they're still the Fairbanks warranty "outpost" for Volvo and they know the cars.

These are Great Cars for Fairbanks!
I'm going into my 6th winter with my '98 and I love it more everyday...

[ed7]

Kats heaters have been around for a while. I've used them on my diesel.
They're made in Mississippi (Miss State Grad.) and have a good warranty, which they stand by. I used the type that goes in the lower hose, but they also have heaters that go into the soft plug holes in the block.
http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Speci ... eaters.htm
ED7

[BEJinFbk]

Kats heaters have been around for a while. I've used them on my diesel.
They're made in Mississippi (Miss State Grad.) and have a good warranty, which they stand by. I used the type that goes in the lower hose, but they also have heaters that go into the soft plug holes in the block.
http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Speci ... eaters.htm
ED7

A tank heater takes up a lot of space in a crowded engine bay.
Great for older vehicles with plenty of room in there, but not a V70.
And if they have a freeze plug heater for this app, then all of the
parts stores in Fairbanks seem to have missed it...Ask me how I know!

I've been running the Volvo external bolt on unit pictured above for years here
and it does the job, but the silicone heat pads are also a big part of the picture.