2006 XC90 Maintenance Tips for New Owner

jscaldwell · Post by **jscaldwell** » 10 Nov 2015, 15:15

Hello all,

We are the proud new owners of a 2006 XC90 2.5T FWD, 113k miles. This is also our first Volvo, so I admit to not knowing a lot about this make and model, and am hoping I can tap the experience of the forum members here to get some tips on two things:

1) what advice would you have regarding regular maintenance for this model (i.e., what kinds of issues does this model have and how can I prevent problems)? I'm looking for any info that is helpful, down to and including type of oil to use, etc. I'm not even sure if high octane gas is recommended/beneficial...

2) Are there specific issues I should be looking for on a vehicle with this age/miles? I bought it used and don't have the full service history.

Thanks for any and all thoughts, information, experience.

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 11 Nov 2015, 01:00

Make sure the timing belt is done, asap. Look up the sunroof drain mod and make sure that's done. Test the pcv system and get that done at some point in the near future if it needs to be. Do you have any maintenance history? Car fax actually has a pretty good section now that shows you logged repairs. Not all are there depending on who did it, but mine had quite a bit of useful knowledge. The rest is regular car stuff.. New tranny fluid, flush the power steering, check the brakes, maybe do a flush at some point etc.

As for oil I use Mobil one synthetic, 5w30, only oem filter. And I use premium gas. Your manual should state the kind of oil for what climate, as well as fuel requirements.

jscaldwell · Post by **jscaldwell** » 11 Nov 2015, 07:38

Great, thanks very much. I don't have any maintenance history as I believe the dealer bought it at an auction of some kind. I do have the Autocheck history report which is all good (no accidents, etc.) but doesn't show maintenance history as I had hoped. I hate paying for a Carfax after I already bought the vehicle but maybe the maintenance history would be worth it.

Is the synthetic oil used because of the turbo, or is that recommended for all Volvos? Do most of you guys get oil changed at a Quicklube type of place, do it yourself (where do you get the OEM filter in that case) or a dealership?

Also curious how important you think premium gas is. Thanks again.

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 11 Nov 2015, 09:19

The maintenance portion is free, I never paid for it.

Never go to a jiffy lube type place especially with a European car. I do it myself, or if I can't for whatever reason I go to a mechanic I know. If you don't know any, ask around and check reviews. For diagnostics I go to volvo special indie shops.

Synthetic is recommended because of the turbo. Synthetic is better with heat. It's also a better quality oil. I buy mine at Walmart for 22 bucks on sale, for 5qt. Takes 6.1. So I buy a couple at a time. Castrol is good too, and at Walmart one is always on sale. As for filter I find it cheaper on ebay and amazon, you can get 3 packs pretty cheap. I also use a magnetic drain plug and some of them on eBay come with like 10 crush washers.

Premium gas makes it run better. I get better gas mileage too. That's important to me because I want it running efficiently.

jscaldwell · Post by **jscaldwell** » 11 Nov 2015, 09:24

THANKS a million - really need this kind of advice. I assume the oil change is straightforward and can be done with the right kind of filter wrench, etc. easily?

jscaldwell · Post by **jscaldwell** » 11 Nov 2015, 09:29

P.S. I think you mentioned using an OEM oil filter. I see Amazon has several reputable alternatives like KN, Fram & Bosch...

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 11 Nov 2015, 09:35

There are plenty of other brands but if you look at them they aren't the same design at all. From the research that I did the oem one works the best and is only 2 dollars more on eBay. And yes, the filter wrench is about 6 bucks shipped on eBay. At advanced auto they sell them for like 10 bucks. It's very straight forward. Pull the plug, replace the washer, tighten it, and pour.

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 11 Nov 2015, 09:43

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav= ... 75&alt=web
Oil filter wrench 7 bucks

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav= ... 39&alt=web
Oil filter 7 bucks

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav= ... 68&alt=web
Magnetic drain plug with washers 7 bucks

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... tout/page2
This is a good read about the different brands of filters.

Post by **cn90** » 11 Nov 2015, 10:18

At 115K miles, the single most important thing is Timing Belt.
Buy the Volvo TB kit for $120 and replace them (TB, pulleys x2).

For maintenance, I have posted a few DIYs in forum.
Search for other DIYs too.

jscaldwell · Post by **jscaldwell** » 11 Nov 2015, 10:25

I was told the TB was o.k. based on a mechanic's inspection arranged by the dealer prior to my purchase, but still, if it hasn't been replaced I agree why wait. Not sure it is something I want to tackle myself but would love to save some money that way. I'll look for the DIY info.