Just bought a 99 S80...How screwed am I?

Post by **tjc010** » 12 Apr 2012, 08:17

Well after the passing of my beloved 850 T-5, I purchased an 99 S80. Now I know this wasn't exactly the championship year for this car but my father bought it on impulse so I gotta make lemonade. What are some things to be wary of on this model/year. Right now its saying Transmisson problems, the SRS light is on, and the PCV's blowin. Any little nuances on this car i need to watch out for?

Post by **dcarlson12** » 12 Apr 2012, 13:52

Overhaul/replace the PCV system components. I had oil spray out of the dip stick pipe into the engine compartment. I understand engine seals can get blown out if this is left too long.

Try to buy a BSR PPC1 diagnostic tool. BSR no longer makes them but maybe you can find on ebay or ????. It reads all codes and resets everything including the SRS light. I couldn't live without it. Maybe once you get all the codes read, you can come back to the forum.

My 99 S80 T6 has just over 130,000 miles on her and still the same transmission. Crossing my fingers it will last for many more miles.
Things I have repaired since buying my S80 in 2008 with about 99,000 miles on her(without first checking out it's reputation!

):
-left front wheel hub twice (both times used FAG hub). If it goes again will go with SKF which I believe to be be OEM. Thought FAG was OEM.
-lava light failure of inside rear view mirror (do a search for a repair for this, it will fail if it hasn't already done so...)
-siren module replaced. Acid from small batteries leak and eat through the wires from the battery. Also do a search for this if yours dies. The acid hadn't damaged my printed circuit board but I didn't know this until I had removed it. Maybe could have just put in new battery pack...
-PCV system replaced (had dealer do this)
-CVVT reset valve replaced (error code ECM-644A)
-had dealer replace leaking transmission output shaft seal on passenger side which was leaking.
-had dealer fix leaking turbo oil return line on passenger side turbo. I think previous repair by this or another dealer had forgotten to put in the small flange gasket. It was just a very slow leak but made a mess.
-had to have dealer replace the ignition switch tumbler assembly. Couldn't turn key. What a crappy design. Never had this occur on any other vehicle
If I remember any more, will come back and post them

Under normal maintenance:
-had the transmission fluid 'flushed' out/replaced. The old was very dirty but did not smell burnt.
-machined front rotors and installed Akebono pads to get rid of the black dust nuisance
-timing belt along with all idlers, tensioner, water pump just after I bought her
-spark plugs every 30,000 miles
-routine oil and filter changes

This car is a love hate relationship. Always waiting for the next shoe to drop but it is very comfortable with lots of safety features and bells and whistles and pleasure to drive when it is working properly. Later bought three used 850's (94, 97 T5 and 96), which all had less than 60,000 miles on them, for other family members based upon the great ride and feel of the S80 and really love them better than the S80.
Just wish that when they put on so many bells and whistles that they would make them reliable! Also drive train seems too weak for the power and torque which the T6 puts out....

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 12 Apr 2012, 16:43

I bought my '99 in 2010 with about 175K miles on it. I have about 203K on it now. In that time I've repaired or replaced.... (going from memory here so bear with me).

TCV "vacuum" pipe (cost <$2!)
Front Ball Joints
PCV breather box and seals
Dexron VI transmission Fluid & 2000 impala filter
2 Ignition coils
Turbo return line oil seals (<$5 in seals but takes some time)
Upper engine torque mount bushing

Right now it needs....

Coolant expansion tank
power steering pump (sounds noisy right now but works absolutely fine)
Control arm bushings
EBrake Cable
Right transmission output seal (leaking a little fluid)
Evap leak tracked down and solved
Shocks are getting a little tired (pretty sure they are original)

I'll post some more stuff later. S80's they can be a real pain, but they are a very nice car, especially the T6. Effortless cruising on the highway with arguably the most comfortable seats around and a decent sound system (for stock). We call ours Medusa!

chesterpaw · Post by **chesterpaw** » 21 Apr 2012, 15:38

Thanks for posting all of these things in detail. Our '99 S80- well, it's making funky sounds when it first starts. Overall, we haven't had the issues one reads about, but we shall see.

Post by **tjc010** » 27 Apr 2012, 22:56

Well a few weeks into this new volvo and I am starting to wonder how I can justify this purchase.
-I have a severe heater core leak. FCPEuro has the core for $60 right now and the repair seems manageable
-About to have the breather overhauled by a friend who is a volvo tech.
-Still no leads on the SRS
-Right now my transmission is the biggest concern. I'm throwing both a solenoid A and B code, and my car is not allowing me to use the slap stick(its an auto-stick). also my car is going in and out of the 3rd gear limp in mode at random times. I am not quite sure where to start on this. I was thinking its a PNP problem but im not so sure. Here is the kicker: the tranny was allegedly replaced 12k ago.

So i guess i don't know where to start on it. If someone has a link to the repair guide for cleaning the PNP that would be much appreciated.

lol i swear if it weren't for MVS i'd be screwed.

Post by **tjc010** » 27 Apr 2012, 23:06

I just found out the Matthew used my post for his last blog post. I got a good kick outta that.