Brakes / door lock

[am0220]

OK, for the second update (from "new owner"):

Took the car in today and had the lower mount replaced. No big change - still feel more vibration and initial kick when car starts, but at least feel good that it's done.

Now, plan to possibly tackle the back brakes tomorrow. Maybe pads, maybe go ahead and try the rotors. Matt, could really use that photo op you missed! Any experience would be appreciated.

Also, stupid plastic piece (REPL?) is broken on driver's door (in latch box), so that driver's door will lock with power lock button & remote, but won't unlock. I can hear/see the power lock trying, but the plastic thing just flips without catching anything. Understand this is a fairly common problem. Saw the photo and EXTENSIVE details on the brick site about removing and breaking into it, but does anyone else have a story to tell?

Also, I will update you if I have any luck.

[am0220]

If anyone needs help on removing/installing the driver's door panel, give me a call. I'm an expert after removing/installing it around 5 times yesterday and again this morning because I forgot something (see below).

One word of advice, make sure the outside door handle and key lock are lined up properly before finishing the job. If you're having difficulty, it helps to unscrew the two torx screws for the door handle (side of the door under a small black plastic cover) and play with the lock assembly and door handle until they come together.

On my way to dinner with 2 friends last night, who met at my house, and realized the key wouldn't turn in the driver's door!
You can imagine, in addition to my defeat with the lock, my embarrasment having the ask the back seat passenger to unlock my door. I just had to fix it today for worry that, with my luck, the remote would fail and I'd really be in a jam since there's no passenger key lock on these.

FYI - I played with the lock for hours trying fix the lock actuator(basically impossible on mine) when, by the time I gave up, it was after the time the Volvo dealer parts department was closed. So it looks like if I want to ever have my driver's door unlock with the remote, I'll get to take that panel off at least one more time!

[am0220]

Finally gave up yesterday and purchased door lock assembly from dealership: $107 (which ain't that bad considering it's the power lock motor, latch and lock all in one) and well worth the mula. It kills me to pay for something that still works electrically but simply has a plastic piece broken, but it would have been very difficult to repair (I don't have the patience). Installation was fairly easy. The most difficult part for me was getting the power cables hooked into the new one - the cables are just long enough to reach the opening in the door. Also, have lots of band-aids on hand - you WILL cut your hands and get blood everywhere!
Again, just remember to align the lock assembly with the outside door handle and key lock before you put the panel back on. It isn't difficult, just takes a couple of tries.

FYI - the part also comes with a new cable to attach to the inside door handle.

Hope this helps someone out there.

[matthew1]

Thanks Anthony.

You didn't happen to snap pics of any step did you?

[am0220]

Sorry, wish I had. I did this at a friend's house with a garage (yes, it gets cold here in Alabama, too), and didn't bring the camera because I hadn't really planned to dive into it again last weekend. Although, anyone who is thinking of doing this will want go to www.volvospeed.com and look at the photos on Bay13. Excellent door panel removal and lock replacement photos/directions - sure made my job easier.

[Scrib76]

Looks like I'll be replacing 3 of my door locks sometime in the near future.

I'll try to snap some pictures as I go through the process.

I once heard a rumor that this lock problem we're all experiencing was a re-call. I tried calling on it and the dealership hadn't heard of it... just a "common problem". Go figure...

Hopefully the future pics will help you "common" problemed folk, like me.

-Scrib