C70 Top Malfunction / Hydraulic System Failure?

[Bleu723]

I own a 2011 C70. My front headliner needs to be repaired so I have been driving her with the top up for many months. In April of this year, the top malfunctioned even though I wasn't using it. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a sensor. They didn't really have to do anything - just moved a few things around and the problem was solved.... But last week, it happened again. I started my car after work and the alarm started. I took her to the dealer yesterday and they ran the diagnostic. They called to tell me that it was a complete hydraulic system/failure. But how can this be, especially if I have not been putting the top down at all?? I am so frustrated and sad by this. Dealer is telling me it is going to cost me 8000.00 to fix.

Personally, I think it is something else. (The dealer also said I needed new rear brakes and rotors but another experienced Volvo mechanic looked at her this morning and said I did not need brakes at all) - so couldn't it be a possibility that it is a sensor jiggling around in there causing all my grief?

Can anyone one here offer me some advise please?!

[jimmy57]

Can your other shop not scan full car codes? The top codes would be needed to know more.

[Cees Klumper]

Sorry to hear about this. Does sound like it could be something less drastic.
You should post your question in another forum for newer C70-ies - it's quite a ways down in the menu. This forum's C70 only goes to about 2004. Good luck with getting this fixed.

[precopster]

The system consists of a hydraulic pump (insanely expensive at about $1,750) but is included with the Roof assembly

Then there are several hydraulic rams with different roles. These are also expensive (ranging from $260 to $2,350)

It's unlikely all the hydraulic rams have failed at once. Failure of the hydraulic rams SHOULD be accompanied by a large hydraulic oil leakage at the ram(s).

If they all look bone dry and all hoses you can see appear dry then get another diagnostic at another dealer however this time get a report from the dealer so you can post up the codes here on MVS

[Bleu723]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond!! I will get another test run at another dealership & will post back in the correct forum for newer C70 models Thanks!

[Bleu723]

Here's what the dealer just e-mailed me:

"I have reviewed the estimate from your recent visit. The diagnostic performed did not involve diagnostic trouble codes. The technician performed testing on each potentiometer, linkage and hydraulic cylinder. No DTC's were stored for the top malfunction message which makes it more difficult to find a solution and demands more time from the technician as he needs to fault trace the problem without codes. The cylinder on the left and right side is not functioning to lock down the top in place. Both will need to be replaced so we can check and see if any other repairs are needed. I believe that we can warranty the right side cylinder because it was replaced on 8/26/15. The left side however would need replacement also"

So what do you guys think about this?? I still do not believe it is a cylinder at all. But Maybe??

[Bleu723]

Sorry to hear about this. Does sound like it could be something less drastic.
You should post your question in another forum for newer C70-ies - it's quite a ways down in the menu. This forum's C70 only goes to about 2004. Good luck with getting this fixed.

Hello - I looked but do not see a forum for 2011 C70's or newer... Maybe the admin can move? Thanks

[Cees Klumper]

This link should work:

viewforum.php?f=25

Strange that a cylinder would break after only two years. I wonder whether there are used parts around, and whether the dealer would agree to putting the old cylinders back in if it turns out they were not the problem (one would think so).

[Bleu723]

Oh thanks for link -- now how do I move this, to that?

Thanks!!

[abscate]

Move in progress