2001 V70 T5 Newby V70 questions

[mdewalle]

Actually, I’m not a complete newby. I previously owned a 2002 V70 (base) and drove that for about 6 years. But recently I bought a 2001 V70 T5 and although I enjoy driving it, I have some questions about it. I think for some of you this may be basic stuff, but I’m reacquainting myself with Volvo. Here goes…

1) The driver side window works normally most of the time, but it gets into moods. When I pull the button up to auto-close it, it only goes about 2/3 of the way and then goes back down. If I quickly pull it again, it will go all the way up. The track is clear and there are no funny noises. It will do this in cold or wet weather. It will be fine for days and then do it for several days. The “point of return” is about 2/3 up, but not exactly fixed.

2) This car has a turbo, but I’m not sure if its working. The car has 99K miles on it and I wonder if the turbo is worn out and no longer contributing. The car has good pick-up, but I’m not getting that “turbo effect”. The only other turbo I’ve ever driven was a Saab 9000 about 15 years ago and I recall in that car, when you floored it, there would be a 1 second delay and then you'd get pushed back into your seat. The turbo effect was very noticeable in the Saab and in my V70 T5 I’m not feeling it.

3) I suspect the battery may be old because if I crank more than 2 seconds it clearly slows down. I looked at the battery (in the trunk), but it doesn’t have a date sticker (any more). It is a “Volvo” battery, but probably not the original. Are there ways to test the age and remaining life in the battery without that date sticker? And, if I decide to replace it, should I get a Volvo battery, or are there other good choices out there?

4) In my dash, to the left of the radio, I have a pop-out cup-holder. My old V70 didn’t have that. Instead, it had a cubby hole just big enough to hold my wallet. Is there a way to remove this pop-out cup-holder (I already have 2 cup-holders in the console)?

Finally (not a question), the radio buttons (power/volume, presets, source) were very sticky when I bought the car. I was able to order them (about $20 for the set) and replace them easily. Very happy about that.

- marc
Raleigh, NC

[bremraf]

I can only speak to the battery issue, I'm a volvo newbie myself. Go to a reputable auto parts store in your area, and have the battery nearly ready to come out before you get there. Take the battery in to them and they can test it for you to determine if cells are dead etc. In my opinion, whatever thats worth to you, a battery is a battery. I know that will spark debate but I usually just buy the best i can afford. It doesn't have to be a volvo battery, but I wouldn't go to walmart and buy the cheapest one either. I've got an Optima Red Top(200ish $ battery) in my wifes Yukon XL, but a Napa brand battery in my 02 v70xc. Its up to you, you have to drive it!

Wish i could help with the other questions but maybe someone will chime in.

[JRL]

Windows need to be calibrated at Volvo
You do not get a "turbo effect" with these cars and it may or may not be running properly.
You may need a simple wastegate adjustment
and you probably DO need a new battery

You can remove the cupholder by pressing tabs inside and pulling it out but you need the cubby insert to replace it or you will have an open hole with no bottom

[mdewalle]

bremraf and JRL, thank you both for the comments, that's very helpful.

I'll start shopping for a battery. I'll let the window be till the next unavoidable visit to the dealer (not a fan). I'll see if I can order the cubby insert online.

- marc

[JRL]

Window takes 5 minutes, no software