2005 XC90 Cold Air Leak - Drivers Side Footwell

kartman02 · Post by **kartman02** » 25 Nov 2005, 16:56

I have a 2005 XC90 V8 with roughly 1,800 miles. I live in Michigan and the temps are starting to really drop here. I have noticed an issue with air blowing in the drivers side footwell (around the parking brake pedal)... mostly noticible when the car is at highway speed. Now that temps are cold this is VERY apparent and VERY annoying... In a recent trip over Thanksgiving, I had to run the temp at full hot (80 deg) and the fan on High with the system directing heat to the footwell area... and even this did not keep me freezing from the knees down...

The problem cannot be replicated with the car sitting still and the ventilation system on high...

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any ideas as to what it might be? Any service bulletins or recalls connected to this type of problem?

Thanks in advance for any help...

gaxc90 · Post by **gaxc90** » 27 Nov 2005, 19:36

Thankfully I haven't experienced this with my XC90 - but have on other vehicles I've owned. The problem is usually a stuck solenoid switch controlling the vent flap allowing outside outside air into the passenger compartment. These used to be vacuum operated on older cars, but now are likely electronic or thermostatically controlled. I doubt there is much you can do to access the problem yourself - and with just 1500 miles should certainly be a warranty covered item. If it does turn out to be a solenoid, I'd insist they they replace it, rather than simply "unsticking" it as it will likely fail again.
JMHO