No power below 2500 rpm - 2017 XC90 T6 Polestar Topic is solved

[scot850]

I went to view a 2017 Volvo XC90 R-design with Polestar remap (I'm told it does not give much more power but better optimization of torque through the range).

On the test drive, I noticed you had to stomp on the gas to gat any response from standstill or low speed. Nothing seemed to happen until around 2500 rpm and then the car took off hard.

As the car has a supercharger for low rpm's (up to around 2500 rpm) linear low rev power and then the engine changes over to the turbo at this point, it would appear there is no power from the supercharger. When the turbo kicks in the car takes off, but up to that it is a real slug.

Has anyone else had this issue? Car has about 115k miles on it (185kkm).

I plan to take it to the Volvo dealer for a full inspection which both dealers have agreed to do. I may get to this if the car is not sold before then, but unfortunately due to commitments I can't change at this late a stage it may be a few days before I can get there.

Car is a one owner local car, mostly dealer serviced until about a year ago with one visit since to a local German car specialist who I know works on Volvos occasionally.

Neil.

[Vova585]

Most likely problem- supercharger clutch is done. They are lasting about 90-120k depending on how you drive.
2nd possibility is problem with control side of electromagnetic clutch. However this would likely generate a CEL.
If I remember correctly, dealer price for supercharger job would be 4800-5500. DIY parts around $2000.

[scot850]

That is what I am thinking. I don't have diagnostic tools for this as I don't think Vida works on SPA cars. I was planning to take it to my friends at the local Volvo dealer for a pre-sale check over. I know they will give it a thorough check over for me. Bigger issue is not having time to get to this until next week due to commitments. I'll update if this goes anywhere. Your reply mirrors the dealer manager (ex-master tech at Volvo) said when I explained the issue to him. Another concern is the front air suspension sitting low when left standing and a cracked from sunroof. The non-Volvo dealer selling the car says they were quoted $1500 CDN to replace.

Appreciate your advice. It likely means the car will be a non-starter for me but I will happily spend the $200 for the inspection to figure out where to go with this.

Where do you get the supercharger repair kit from? I am used to stripping and rebuilding stuff, is it reasonably DIY friendly to do?

Thanks,

Neil.

[Vova585]

I forget the exact name of the company that makes them, something similar to hockey gear either Eaton, or Easton. They likely negotiated deal with volvo not to sell repair kits, so those are available from OEM only(unless company has direct repair place, that i am not aware). Wear item is magnetic clutch and shaft bearings. Bearings usually go bad 120-150k. I would suggest to buy a kit from fcp with all necessary rubber gaskets. I remember fcp posted a diy video for its replacement maybe 2 years ago.
I am biased against air suspension outside of warranty period. But money talk..

[scot850]

I have rear air bags on my 03 Toyota 4Runner. Replaced the original bags about 6 months ago with OE replacements. At 22 years old that is not bad. However the compressor was replaced when purchased by Toyota as it had failed ant about 15 years. The 'new' one looks like it has sat on the Titanic for 100 years already. I know the SPA XC90 likes to burn out compressors for the rear suspension for some reason.

My view on some stuff like that is, I only do about 4k miles a year in my car now that I am retired, so if the car breaks, it can sit while I find parts. Buying an older car you are not paying car payments and there is not a huge amount left in depreciation. For what I have spent on my 4Runner, I could of bought a XC90 V8 and had the timing chain guides and valve covers replaced a couple of times on 2 cars!

With the benefit of reflection, I should have just done that!

Not sure if the 2017 will happen, I have had someone contact me about my 4Runner and wants it ASAP. I haven't even prepped it or advertised it! I can't let it go without a replacement vehicle!

Ah, the joys of car ownership!

Oh, Eaton make superchargers......

Thanks,

Neil.

[matthew1]

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/houst ... a-problem/

[scot850]

The car I was looking at has 3/4 of the issues possibly, and for sure likely 2/4. The 3rd one is a cracked sunroof, but that may happen if water gets in the seal and freezes causing a pressure point. I believe it is a $1200-1500 CDN part + fitting for the glass alone. I will now have to check the seal as well to make sure at least that is good. The only issue it did not show current symptoms of are the intake gasket (yet!).

If the car is still available on Monday I will arrange to see when I can get it into Volvo for a full inspection including these issues.

Basically, any of these issues could make the car unaffordable for me. Sure I might be able to find used parts, like a supercharger, or sunroof glass. But then there may be sunroof seal and wet floor to also check.

Yikes.

Thanks Matthew for the heads up in your link. Very helpful indeed!

Neil.

[scot850]

I have not only decided to pass on this particular car, but SPA XC90's altogether. That means for our needs there are no Volvo's made post P2 that actually works with a large enough trunk space for out needs. I was considering a P3 XC70, but the seats are awful in the ones I have tried. I can't find any evidence they fitted an R-design seat in those. The regular seat is as bad as those in the later P2 XC70's.

Got the option on a mechanic buddies P2 V70 2.5T AWD Polestar. It needs a little service work to get it to stage 0 for me, but really not a lot.

Neil..

[abscate]

I was so tickled to find a P2 XC90 in the exact colour the Boss wanted with 100k miles. It may well be the last car of our working iives.