Car does not stay on the road

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 07 Dec 2024, 12:53

Hi All,

I have an XC70 AWD of 2006, which recently became very unstable when driving over small bumps or uneven surfaces, especially in curves. It feels like it momentarily loses traction with the road, like it's floating or drifting for a brief moment before it regains contact with the ground.

The car passed the inspection last June as Volvo only found a tie rod which needed to be replaced. I replaced it and it passed.
I do have multiple errors at this point, the ABS one has been there for ages, and I know it is due to a faulty clockspring, however, I now see frequency a Four-C off message in the console.

Please see the image below:

: 2024-12-07 DTC.png (41.55 KiB) Viewed 148 times

I assume many of the other errors are related two main ones: ABS and Four-C.
However I wonder if the Four-C has anything to do with the behavior of my car.
When I mentioned this to Volvo in June, they said that the shocks were fine.

The car has 305000 Km, I never replaced the front struts but I replaced the rear ones in 2015.

I hope you can help.

Thank you!
Alex

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 Dec 2024, 16:38

Bad shocks can make a car a handful.

Post by **scot850** » 08 Dec 2024, 02:16

Looking at your codes I don't see ay related to the 4C suspension?

What I do see is SAS related issues (4 of). This thread may be of help:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthre ... g%20column).

These are to do with issues with the SAS sensor.

Neil.

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 08 Dec 2024, 07:21

scot850 wrote: ↑08 Dec 2024, 02:16 Looking at your codes I don't see ay related to the 4C suspension?

What I do see is SAS related issues (4 of). This thread may be of help:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthre ... g%20column).

These are to do with issues with the SAS sensor.

Neil.

True, but it is a fact that the Four-C message indicating that it is off appears on the console very frequently.

Based on the link you provided, it seems the person had drivability issues as well, although they did not specify the exact type of issues. Do you think the clock spring might be causing that problem?

A new genuine clock spring would be very expensive; however, I wonder if anyone has ever installed an aftermarket version, which is much cheaper. I can change it myself, and I assume I could calibrate it with VIDA.

Thank you,
Alex

Post by **scot850** » 08 Dec 2024, 09:23

Maybe a good used one is an option? Depending where in Canada you are, a couple of places you can try other than local junkyards are Chapman Motors on Vancouver Island, or on the East side Erie Vo-Vo in NYC area.

This may be the reason for your steering issues. The other issues can be looked at after sorting this.

Neil.

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 08 Dec 2024, 13:50

scot850 wrote: ↑08 Dec 2024, 09:23 Maybe a good used one is an option? Depending where in Canada you are, a couple of places you can try other than local junkyards are Chapman Motors on Vancouver Island, or on the East side Erie Vo-Vo in NYC area.

This may be the reason for your steering issues. The other issues can be looked at after sorting this.
Neil.

Hi Neil,

I am in NB. For one reason or another, I have always found Chapman to be pricey, and I've been able to find better deals in the US. However, I reached out to them, so let's see what they come up with. Erie has many of these, so the theory is that the less mileage, the better, because sooner or later they all fail.

Also, if I purchase a used one, I don't expect it to come with the blocking screw, so I'll need to re-calibrate it.

I read on a forum that frequently they get dust and dirt in the optics, and can be cleaned. I would like to check that first, any idea on how to do that?
When I turn the steering wheel to the right or left, the "ABS is temporarily off" warning light comes on. However, when I re-center the steering wheel, the light goes away.

Thank you,
Alex

Post by **scot850** » 08 Dec 2024, 15:39

Chapman's can be expensive, but only once have I ever had a bad part from them and that was human error on their end. So if I want a part that will work then they are my go to for used parts, although Erie Vo-vo do have better pricing and you being in NB shipping should not be too terrible.

Not sure what you are talking about 'optic's getting dirty. I have not removed a P2 clock spring so can't help there, sorry.

Nit sure why ABS would be affected by the steering wheel movement. That is a weird one.

Neil.