Quick and dirty things to look for on a 2004 XC70

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 18 Dec 2018, 12:29

Looking at an '04 XC70, 130,xxx mi. Need to find out when timing belt service/water pump was done, because its more than due if it hasn't.

Any other issues such as water incursion (might be an '05 thing), transmission (thought after 2002 they were ok). If I get it I'd like to use it for occasional short distance towing for small trailer, jet ski- like that.

I have an '05 V70 that has served us well. (and a 98 V70 and 99 S70)

Abscate, any issues with the ECU on these?

Any input is appreciated!

Post by **E Showell** » 19 Dec 2018, 06:05

Definitely glove test for PCV condition. Pull transmission dipstick and smell for burnt fluid/check color. You want to see some cherry red. If chocolate brown, plan on a transmission fluid swap. Check for leaking power steering fluid reservoir. They leak from the cap, but they also leak from the seam between the upper and lower halves of the reservoir. Those are just a few quick ones.

Post by **abscate** » 19 Dec 2018, 18:51

That's just mean.

There was a water incursion TSB on the 2005 for the CEM bulkhead through the dash, not sure if it caught the 2004" too.

Post by **E Showell** » 24 Dec 2020, 02:19

Probably a little late for the original poster, but check the front coil springs. They are prone to failure (as in snapping). My one and only (so far) long distance tow was due to a snapped spring. ETM can also fail, but due mostly to dodgy wiring.