What else...?

[laplas]

Hello!
Well, it's been a very disappointing day for me today.
The warranty for my XC70( year 2005, 46000 miles ) just expired and here we go:
1. Some strange rattling noise started coming from air conditioner outlet on passenger’s side when the car is cold. It’s getting worse when I accelerate. It sounds like there is a loose poorly greased propeller somewhere inside. The dealer said I need to change a motor, but they of course not sure if that is a problem ~ 400$
2. While changing oil they found a leaking Angle Gear. To reseal it they asked for ~600$
3. They have not checked for passenger airbag sensor yet , which randomly shows that passenger air bag is off when I have a passenger.

Just curious what else I should be prepared for? How much more?
I asked dealer to seal Angel Gear, but hope that I can fix (1) myself. I’d really appreciate if anybody can give me any ideas what it might be.

[howardc64]

Some strange rattling noise started coming from air conditioner outlet on passenger’s side when the car is cold. It’s getting worse when I accelerate. It sounds like there is a loose poorly greased propeller somewhere inside. The dealer said I need to change a motor, but they of course not sure if that is a problem ~ 400$


Certainly should try to be sure of the problem before any repair if possible. Take it to another dealer and see if they are sure about the problem. Make sure you didn't get a mechanic that just wants to swap parts with insufficient diagnosis.

Sounds like they are talking about the blower motor (I presume your fan is on when this noise occurs?) I have not done this one, here is a link from the resource page on this site

http://www.volvoxc.com/resources/how-to/pdf/01-23-09/Service%20and%20Repair%20Fan%20Motor.pdf

Not a lot of details in this direction. If someone has VADIS can print out more of the details for you (dealer service or parts department can print this out for you btw) than you have a good starting point.


Hello!
I asked dealer to seal Angel Gear, but hope that I can fix (1) myself.


I would raise some issues with your dealer about this one. If it is the seal leak, it is common and I'd bet it was leaking before your warranty expired. If you had brought it in for oil change before the warranty expired, they should have told you. If dealer doesn't budge, ask to speak to the Volvo regional rep. They seem to be able to authorize some common failures just out of warranty.



3. They have not checked for passenger airbag sensor yet , which randomly shows that passenger air bag is off when I have a passenger.


There might be a diagnostic code for this. Just ask the dealer to read it and do some research at the site below. I think the seats have a occupant weight sensor and some wiring+connectors to the SRS control module. Might be sensor and/or the connector.

http://www.bsr.se/man_diagnos_uk.pdf
http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/2005/2005_V70/05v70_01a.htm#pg8

You might not went to mess with this and accidentally set off the airbag unless you've done the research and know what you are doing (need to have Volvo specific code reader + VADIS diag+repair DVD for directions)

[laplas]

....
Thank you very much for all the suggestions and links.

[Grundig]

That's unfortunate, sometimes when it rains it pours. These are good cars though, and you may find that once those repairs are done, it remains trouble free for a long time again. I've got a 2005, and just to be on the safe side, I'm going to look for an extended warranty before expiry. Best of luck . . .

[MoeB]

My dealer replaced the bevel (angle) gear seals for $325 total.

[MT71]

Hi Laplas, welcome to the forum,

I had the same air bag sensor trouble on mine, a MY2005 as well. They had to replace the weight sensor passenger side.

I don't want to make your day worse but it's almost 1000$ to repair. The seat has to be removed, the foam and heat pad replace as well. It was done under waranty.

Like other said, I would get a second opinion. See also what Volvo can do, it seems to be a commnon trouble according to the service rep at my dealer.

The bright side is you don't have to spend outrageous money at the dealer anymore. Just find a good independant mecanic in your area.

Marc

[laplas]

Thank you guys!
I just brought my car from a dealer, and it turned out not that bad.
Yes, they resealed angel gear for 580$, I declined fixing blower motor and they fixed air-bag for free. They said they put some spring kit and it was covered by warranty :confused:
I also asked about extended warranty and they offered several different options. The most suitable for me is the one that would cover the car for another 3 years and up to 75000 miles(I do not drive too much - I’m fortunate to live close to my office). So, the price would be 1120$ (fee for buying it after the main one is over)+ 2358$ (basic price for the option with 100$ deductible) - 200$(some discount the dealer is willing to provide) . The total is 3278$. Quite a chunk of money! This warranty covers only main functional parts and does not minor things like plastic inside and out of the car, paint job, upholstery and so on.
After that I asked a guy: is it really worth to buy and he said – no. He said XC70 is quite reliable. All this extended warranty stuff is more like an insurance. I guess it does not matter for him if I buy it or not since he will be paid for repair anyway either from my pocket or by Volvo. So, I think his answer was honest.
Well, I hope he is right and it was just my rainy day.

[howardc64]

Thank you guys!
it was covered by warranty :confused:


Looks like SRS+seatbelt warranty period is 5 year unlimited mileage :) Good for you.

http://www.nashvillevolvo.com/2005%20Volvo%20Limi…%20Warranties.pdf

[Grundig]

Well, I had an S80 that was maintained well by me since new, and was generally a trouble free car. Nevertheless I had issues from time to time so I elected to go with an extended warranty which was, if I recall, about $3200 at the time. During the course of the time that I owned the car, I probably came out on top with that deal; there were little things here and there and they certainly add up if the dealer's doing the work. I shudder to think what would happen if I had serious transmission or engine problems. Nope, for me, I'll go the extended warranty and bet that at best I'll break even, and at worst I'll have saved myself the kids college money . . .

[ChazzyD]

Don't they have a warranty with several different levels of coverage, each with it's own price tag, of course? Buy the one with the level of coverage that will make you feel the most comfortable and fits the budget.
Charless