Need advise about 4C service Required Message

[Blacklab467]

I'm interested in a local car for sale but it has a few things that concern me. 2006 XC 70 2.5T 139000 kms (87000 miles). The car is in great condition although it is "Rebuilt" status which means it was a write off 3 years ago and repaired to roadworthy and inspected status. The owner says it was hit in the Back and the rear bumper was changed, that's all. There's no evidence of repaint or bodywork done anywhere, even underneath, all original muffler and rear end components showing no evidence of being damaged or replaced. The rear bumper is definitely new.
The car has messages regarding some bulb failures and a 4C service required.
I drove the car and it runs like a new one, the steering is pretty vague and it handles very poorly above 100kms/hour, such that you need to have both hands on the wheel when going over bumps and stuff at higher speeds. Other than that the car is tight and appears to be very well looked after. Current owner was told it needs an alignment.
I'm wondering if it just needs an alignment and maybe some strut mounts (they appeared to be a little saggy) or if the car might be bent from the accident? As mentioned, I really cannot see anything wrong with the car or evidence of body or frame repair.
I could get this car for a ridiculously good price but am afraid of winding up with a car that can't be fixed if its bent. Could the problem be just that the 4C struts are malfunctioning? I also know how much the 4C struts are to replace.
Please share your thoughts on this.

[MoVolvos]

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https://www.ipdusa.com/products/7045/11 ... o-30714478

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/7049/11 ... o-31277090

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... sion+volvo



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[Blacklab467]

Thanks, I think I mentioned that I know how much they cost. I was more interested in what 4C service required meant and the handling vagaries that that message might cause. I'm not entirely convinced that the struts need to be replaced when that message is posted.

[Herb Goltz]

I can't offer any insight on the 4C suspension, but there are a few things here that don't seem to add up to me. A 2006 has a wholesale book value of more than $6K with that mileage now, probably $1K more 3 years ago (at least it would here in Ontario), so why would an insurance company write it off for a bumper repair? Why does it need an alignment-- was there steering/suspension work done recently? It also seems strange that the struts/other components are so cooked at such low mileage that the car feels unstable at 100 km/h. I think I would want to look it over pretty carefully before taking the plunge... Any evidence of weird tire wear? Maybe see if the owner will spring for an alignment pre-purchase, or see if you can take it to an indy for a pre-purchase inspection so you have some idea what you are up against...

[jonesg]

If it was written off it typically has salvage on the title.

[Blacklab467]

Yes, here they call it rebuilt if it was written off, deemed salvage, and then repaired and recertified, thus rebuilt status. I estimated the vehicle would have been worth at least $7K when it was "written off". The new owner put less than 5000 kms on it in two and a half years. The parts on the car in the front end and rear end are all original, no sign of any parts replacements. Normal tire wear on the winter and summer tires although both sets are essentially new Michelins.
I was thinking the same thing as Herb, I told him yesterday to take it for a 4 wheel alignment and let me know if it drives properly afterward and then I might revisit it.
I need to find out more about the 4C system. It drives as though one or more of the struts are in Comfort mode while the others are in Sport mode if thats even possible with a 4C malfunction.

[- Pete -]

4C Service message almost always means one or more of the “electronic shocks” has gone bad. My guess is if one feels soggy it’s probably that one. Could be a cut wire as well. Routing of the 4C wires is extremely important. Very easy for them to get pinched or rubbed by spinning components.

You can’t always determine the “bad one” based on oily residue/grime. Often times the solenoid continues to work long after the seals are compromised & oil has been/is leaking out.

[Blacklab467]

Thanks, I wonder if that is the cause of the extremely vague and unstable road feel at highway speeds? I'm going to look into the thread about changing out the 4C struts and see if that's a viable option. Can't really justify replacing $2K worth of shocks and struts. Maybe I should just forget about this car.......

[- Pete -]

You can replace them with standard XC70 shocks. Either live with the 4C Service message or I’m sure the ECM/4C module could be spoofed.

[erikv11]

You can replace them with standard XC70 shocks. Either live with the 4C Service message or I’m sure the ECM/4C module could be spoofed.

Yes, you can find extensive write-up(s) on Swedespeed how to spoof the sensors. Look for thread started by user Dougy.