1999 V70 New user, ETS, oil in coolant, and more!

[CamsV70]

Stop,the presses!! Abscate actually contributed something of value beyond snark to MVS!!

This is sure to crash the new server........

I was impressed! Now if you can tell me how to remove the plastic surrounding the latch on the interior of the tailgate without breaking it you will be a REAL hero!

[erikv11]

That plastic surround comes straight out away from the gate cover, use a putty knife and even a heat gun or hair dryer to get it a little more flexible, but don't melt it. This is not a good time of year for tailgate repairs, legendary Volvo plastic likes to disintegrate in the cold ...

[erikv11]

Here is a post for an 850, the pattern of the plastic tabs is different on a V70 but use the same principle:

http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... epair.html

[CamsV70]

Thanks for the info!

[mikealder]

For a repair to the tailgate panel purchase a kit such as this one http://www.ipdusa.com/products/4807/105 ... repair-kit it makes the job really easy.

In your original post you mention a flashing dash light, what symbol is on this? if it is the yellow symbol depicting the shape of an engine when it flashes it means unburnt fuel is getting through to the cat which isn't good for it. Usual culprits are coil packs failing.

The tailgate open light is most probably a stuck switch in the tailgate lock mechanism although it could also be down to damaged wiring where the cables go from the car through the left side tailgate hinge, the regular flexing when opening the tailgate causes the wires to fracture and in bad cases they can short out.

My V70 is a 2000 model year but the same shape as yours, it is also the non turbo model and it does have an engine oil to engine coolant heat exchanger bolted to the rear of the sump, my car is European but I would have thought this oil cooler would be on all models - Mike

[DrJammer]

hope I can help on some of these and I am a NOVICE driveway mechanic:

Fix tailgate open light (stuck on) - eh...mine has been on for years, I just ensure the cargo light is off at all times unless I am back there and need it. It could be a broken wire or something tougher to find. (free?)
Fix tailgate panel and trim I broke trying to remove it - yes you can - get the kit at IPD or FCP for around 5 bucks and that thing might never come off again ($5)
Buzzing from dash when headlights are off - leave the headlights on all the time? I do it as safety anyways (free?)
Oil change - yes you can (around $40 with new filter)
Coolant flush - yes you can - use proper fluid (around $30 with new therm)
Fix parking brake - yes you can - I recently did a full ebrake cable/shoe replacement. tedious indeed and kind of fun (and necessary for me to pass safety inspection). the biggest advice i can give to make sure you have OEM e brake shoes or things may not fit at the end. you can PM me for more details if you'd like (around $175 for new cables and shoes)
Suspension creaks - most likely front? yes you can - possible spring seat replacement needed. can also be done with a nifty kit, alignment needed upon completion - also did that within past year. (around $350 for front susp. kit and alignment)

[CamsV70]

Well I fixed the ETS light- replaced the clutch position sensor and now it's out! Haven't tried the cruise control yet but I'll bet it works now.

Disconnected the tailgate latch pigtail, now that light is out too.

Headlights have been left on for a cheap fix of the buzzing but will likely try to solve that problem for real too.

Down to just one warning light which I think is for burned out bulbs. Working on those too. And the parking brake so I can get it inspected.

The tailgate repair kit looks like just the ticket to reattach that panel. Sadly I need a new plastic surround for the I side panel now that I broke the old one. Hopefully the junkyard will have one and I can manage to not break that one!

Appreciate all the tips!