My very first European Car!

MisplacedCanuck · Post by **MisplacedCanuck** » 01 May 2020, 14:08

Well finally after many years, I decided to try a European vehicle. I figured Sweden has a similar climate to Canada, so maybe they would design something that would make sense to us Canucks.

I could not be happier, best car I've ever owned.

The main issue I am seeing after lurking these forums last week or so. The PCV issue. I did an oil change on the Volvo, and noticed oil leaks/sweat. This Volvo was quite cheap. I'm used to my jeeps leaking. How critical is doing the PCV job immediately? Should I just run this Volvo as is, and pick up a better one next time?

Cheers!

MisplacedCanuck · Post by **MisplacedCanuck** » 01 May 2020, 14:10

Even though it was cheap, I do enjoy the look

crlande · Post by **crlande** » 01 May 2020, 14:24

Do the glove test. Lurk for that! Beautiful looking photos also.

Post by **- Pete -** » 01 May 2020, 17:47

Oil leaks are part of Volvo’s long term rust prevention plan. As I’m sure you’ve noticed you don’t see many rusty Volvo’s!

PCV is a good thing to investigate. There’s an incredible wealth of knowledge here and oodles of very knowledgeable members who so willingly help those in need.

Looks to be an 01-02 2.4T?

MisplacedCanuck · Post by **MisplacedCanuck** » 01 May 2020, 18:15

Yes! I'm impressed that you got the year that easily. It's a 2002 V70 XC turbo. I can't remember the last time I had a vehicle I just would take for pleasure drives.

I placed a latex glove over the dipstick and oil cap as described. It sucks in (not hard, but it for sure goes concave). Sounds like the PCV could be put off as a fall maintenance item!

Post by **- Pete -** » 01 May 2020, 19:01

One thing I’ve learned (the hard way) to do with a newly acquired P2 Volvo is to do your first few oil changes at short intervals.

Another thing you’ve likely already come across is to get some fresh ATF in the transmission. Lots of discussion on which ATF to use on the Aisin transmissions. 01-02’s tended to get a bad wrap due to the software they were programmed with. If yours was dealer serviced prior to you, chances are the software has been updated. Still a good idea to do new ATF though. The filter in these transmissions are so buried you have to remove the entire trans & dismantle it to get to the filter. If the filter gets plugged up, well, you have drivability issues. This is the logic behind changing ATF frequently on these.

Post by **GlennG2759** » 02 May 2020, 06:00

Mileage? Possible timing belt change time. Good Luck. Nice looking car.

MisplacedCanuck · Post by **MisplacedCanuck** » 02 May 2020, 06:22

Thanks for the tips. I just finished the drain and fill on the ATF, and completed the oil change. The timing belt *looks* ok. The Volvo has 232,000miles on. There's a continental sticker on the timing cover that says "replaced: 212547" so I'm hoping that it's legit, but I hate trusting random stickers...

I'm enjoying that it's no more difficult to work on then my previous cars. Only real issue has been the sunroof not working. I doubt I'll ever be able to correct that issue.

Post by **ljsommar1** » 02 May 2020, 07:03

Sunroof could be as simple as replacing the battery in the alarm module (or replacing the entire module if the leaking battery has destroyed the circuit board). This is an issue well documented on this site.
I don't have experience with AWD systems and its issues but there are many for that age/miles car. You will probably need to perform at least some preventative maintennance.
Good luck, looks like mine only better. My 70 has same miles and is a very dependable DD.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 02 May 2020, 07:54

In no particular order:
1) What color was the drained ATF? Obviously, the cleaner the better.

2) You MUST check the condition of your parking brake hardware. Removal of both rear rotors is necessary to do this.

3) This is minor by comparison but do check / replace your cabin air filter. If your recirculate button has one light, your system takes the thinner (~1") of the two filters offered. If it has 2 lights you can fit the thicker (~1.5") one. The thick offering from Corteco is well made and is priced below the Volvo branded filter. The reason this is important is that a clogged filter clogs the airflow. It'd be a shame if you needed to defog your windshield and nothing happened.
Often people warn against installing 2 filters so I guess I'll pass that on too. You'll see that there are 2 slots for the respective thicknesses.

4) Have you checked your battery and spare tire and jack hardware?

5) How do the shocks / struts feel?