2004 XC90 2.5T 12-volt socket not working

[bassbunny5]

Hi,

I'm new to Volvo and new to the forum - I just picked up a "new to me" 2004 XC90 2.5T with only 46,000 miles (yes! 46,000 - I think it might actually be a unicorn) yesterday and am pretty happy about it. I read all over the internet and this forum beforehand and saw all the horror stories with the GM transmissions in the T6's. I think this one is OK - got it through a very reliable source, my boss' car guy - he handles private car collections across the country, sources vehicles for celebs and has won a few titles at Pebble Beach so I trust his opinion. This vehicle came to him from one of his clients and it was an extra family vehicle so didn't get much action on the street but was well-taken care of at the dealership.

Saying that, even well-taken care of 10-old cars have a few issues -- my first issue being the 12-volt socket in the front dash does not work. I can't charge my phone! I read somewhere that it might be the fuse and the fuse box should be on the side panel of the dash. I found what looks to be a side panel but feels like if I tugged the entire panel would come out and that makes me nervous...I'm a girl. I was expecting more of a little hinged door that opens and closes. Am I looking in the right place?

Also, my Volvo logo on the front grill is missing, looks like it snapped off at some point. I can't have that. I tried to search at one of the Volvo parts places linked here but not sure if I'm searching for the right part. Can anyone enlighten me?

Thank you! This is a great site - looking forward to getting all sorts of advice and being part of the Volvo community.

[ivansxc90_2012]

I have had issues with the front dash 12 volt socket also and on your model year 2004 the fuse is #11 and is a 15 amp (according to the link below) p.145. The fuse puller tool should be attached somewhere in the box or on the door panel itself like where mine is along with extra fuses.

If you continue to blow fuses while plugging in and out accessories as the engine is running (ignition on) just try to plug in and out when ignition is off. That seems to work well for me. I think I read somewhere that it is a safety thing with this model. Hope this helps.

http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/200 ... .htm#pg143

[bassbunny5]

Thanks, Ivan. I ended up going to my neighborhood independent volvo shop who helped me out. I had purchased the 15amp fuse but couldn't find the correct fusebox in the car. I was looking under the steering column and turns out it's on the side of the dash. I also had the wrong size fuse -- 15 amp was correct but physically, it was the wrong size. There are, apparently, regular sizes and little mini size amps. But I had an extra one in the fuse box and mechanic popped it in for me - no charge! I then went back to auto parts store and exchanged the large size for the mini's so I have even more extras available.

Also, it turns out I DO NOT have the 2.5T, but the dreaded T6. The database my boss' car guy was using had incorrect info. I found out it was T6 when I registered as new owner with Volvo. Will keep a close eye on my transmission and be prepared. I drive like a grandma so, hopefully, that will help in extending life of transmission.