V70R - converting AWD to FWD?

[cypilot]

I'm in a quandary: My 2005 V70R is "surplus" to me, but has some issues precluding a sale. Primary among these is the dreaded "anti skid service" warning, which appears to be caused by the differential module, but may require not just a module but also a differential itself. Costs I'm not willing to incur just to sell the car.

I'm contemplating removing the AWD components and just selling the car as FWD- I know this has been done by others, but wondering how simple it is, and what warning lights/messages will remain on if the rear diff, etc... is gone.

Thanks in advance.

[erikv11]

(1) Get all 4 wheels up safely so you can work under the car. Make sure the AWD is broken by putting it in gear or by spinning the front wheels - the rear wheels should spin. Or maybe you know AWD is out from driving it in the snow.
(2) Remove the driveshaft
(3) Pull the DEM fuse in the rear

Step (2) requires removing the center bearing bolts (trivial), removing the 6 socket head cap screw bolts on each end of the drive shaft, then tapping it out of the flanges on each end (I use an air hammer for this). Then the drive shaft slides out the back.

Remember though - there are many reasons why that message may come on. E.g. viewtopic.php?f=9&t=96567

Problems in the rear are almost always with the Haldex box, a failed oil pump on there. Don't think I've ever seen one with a problem in the rear differential.

[- Pete -]

If it’s in good-excellent shape & doesn’t have a boatload of miles it would certainly behoove you to fix said issues prior to selling. It’ll fetch far more money as a working AWD V70R than a 2WD V70R.

If you are tight on money & the labor portion just isn’t feasible, I can completely see why you’d avoid the tasks & just dump the car. Just being honest here, but almost any prospective buyer is going to PICK YOUR CAR APART, given it’s a V70R. People are truly bonkers when it comes to these things & every little flaw is going to reduce its sell-ability.

The rear diff/final drive on these isn’t the weak point and rarely, if ever, fail. Weak points & most common failures are seen here:
1. Collar sleeve
2. DEM pump
3. (Front) angle gear (aka transfer case/bevel gear)
4. AOC/DEM module

The anti-skid message fix can be elusive, but as with all repairs Volvo-related, the end is usually easier to arrive at if you have a decent scanner or ViDA at your side.

If it truly is AWD related, the most likely of the aforementioned faults would be DEM pump or collar sleeve failure.

Is your 05 V70R Aisin Warner or Volvo (M66) transmissioned?

[matthew1]

It'll fetch $37,550 if it's got 24k miles. viewtopic.php?p=567546#p567546

If it's got more miles than that, while it's up on jackstands to check for AWD, put it in reverse and wind it back down to 24k miles, like in Ferris Beuller's Day Off.

In all seriousness, when you do sell it, AWD or not, just put "Price is firm. I'm not going to dicker with you." in the ad. Pete's right, the P2 Rs do attract the "Gotta Have It All (for $4k)" crowd.

S60R not as much as V70R, because 95% of S60R on FB / Craigslist have been utterly thrashed, and buyers don't expect much.

[Blacklab467]

If you're just trying to get rid of the car sell it as is and absolutely disclose that the AWD doesn't work. It will definitely affect the value. The only two options are to take the hit on a non working AWD or to spend some time and money and fix it. There is no reason to remove the propshaft or the Bevel gear, they may come in handy for the next owner if he wants to resurrect the AWD.
Incidentally.........there is no such thing as a FWD "conversion", the AWD's have a different final drive ratio and return a horrible overall driving experience when the AWD is broken, even with the parts removed.

[cypilot]

Thanks for the info. Just going to sell it as-is.

[SuperHerman]

I agree - sell it as is. I rather buy a car knowing what is wrong and making repairs myself than have someone screw things up.

Just disclose what you know and wait, unless the first buyer is at the price you want. If you are not getting any bites, the price is too high.