2006 XC70 Build and Questions Thread - tomedkaz

[tomedkaz]

Hello,
I posted it on VS but had no bites - I guess this is the right forum.
My name is Tommy. I used to own a modified S40, then I replaced it with a 2004 S60R that is nicely modified and I still own it – loving it! I am now married, however and wanted to add to the stable something that's more versatile for camping and snowboarding trips as well as those Home Depot runs J
Initially we wanted something newer like the XC60 RD but an opportunity came up which we could not pass up: A family friend was selling his single owner 2006 XC70 with 86K miles for what the dealer offered him at trade in - $6,000! He's an 82 year old lawyer, and replaced his car with a new S class. We had to jump on this opportunity - gotta love having no car payment.
The car has been very well taken care of. It came with extras such as Bluetooth, satellite radio, hardwired GPS and Volvo cross bars and bike racks!
Next step for me is Stage 0 Stuff. After that I’ll swap some R pieces into it. I already ordered R leather gauge cluster cover, aluminum trim pieces, R steering wheel (only need an R airbag). Will also look for 17 inch pegs....or maybe 18? Does anyone have photos of 17 and 18 inch pegs on an XC to compare?

I also have a few questions for the eXperts:
1. Is there a way to disable traction control? I don't have the button nor do I have it in the toggle menu. Can a switch be pulled?
2. I want to install HID bulbs in the headlamps and fog lamps. My R runs 55W at 5000K and I love the look (or maybe it’s 4300) .. I am looking for a bright white look, nothing blue or yellow. What is the proper Wattage and K temperature to buy? Should I stick with 35W or 55W? Also, what bulb type in each?
3. How do I install a rear VR wing? How do I hardwire the light?

Thanks in advance! Now enjoy some photos

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141011_112507_zpst6ywjwld.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141011_130307_zps8xx4oico.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141012_112944_zpsgxjbejik.jpg

It already came in very handy. I’m moving and was able to fit a dresser, headboard and a bunch of other stuff in it. Loving the space!
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141012_105909_zpsfm2yjzyx.jpg

[Swagger XC]

I am also curious on the traction control disabling. I heard that it might be possible to throw in the switch and that software could be applied to make it work but I am not even sure the software even exists.

[JRL]

No
P80s only

[acools]

55W HID lights in halogen housings blind oncoming drivers.

You can adjust them down all you want, but you are blinding the driver you follow, or that you are meeting in oncoming traffic.

I tried it and disposed of my lights, replaced mine with the proper projector housings for xenons.

Andres

[kutcht1]

Nice looking XC! I wish mine had the dark gray interior as I think it looks great.
Enjoy the ride.
TomK

[tomedkaz]

Thanks guys.
The car needs a bit of work, such as weeping angle gear and inner and outer tie rods (already ordered those and will be tackling myself).
I also scheduled it for some work that I myself cannot do: timing belt change, water pump, steering pump replacement (got a used one from eBay - might as well have my guy do it when he's doing the TB), accessory belt and transmission flush.

I'm also wondering whether 18 inch pegs will worsen the ride quality. I really enjoy the plush ride but I hate the look of stock 15s (or are those 16s? not even sure)...

Also, I will not rest until I can disable traction control on this thing! You will see me doing snow donuts in it this winter! :)

[JRL]

16s and of course they would
The larger the wheel and tire, the harsher the ride

[pelagikos]

Thanks guys.
The car needs a bit of work, such as weeping angle gear and inner and outer tie rods (already ordered those and will be tackling myself).
I also scheduled it for some work that I myself cannot do: timing belt change, water pump, steering pump replacement (got a used one from eBay - might as well have my guy do it when he's doing the TB), accessory belt and transmission flush.

I'm also wondering whether 18 inch pegs will worsen the ride quality. I really enjoy the plush ride but I hate the look of stock 15s (or are those 16s? not even sure)...

Also, I will not rest until I can disable traction control on this thing! You will see me doing snow donuts in it this winter! :)

Accessory belt and the steering pump are hardly a rocket science. If you are messing with the tie rods, I don't see why these two would present a challenge - easy access, etc.

[PierreC]

I also scheduled it for some work that I myself cannot do: ..... and transmission flush.


Just make sure it is a JWS3309 spec ATF - Toyota T-IV, Mobil 3309 or if you really want to cough up more money for exactly the same ATF as the Toyota or Mobil stuff, the Volvo ATF.

Also, what "flush"? You're probably better off with a DIY Gibbons method flush than a "power flush" at this mileage and a single drain-and-fill will not cut it.

Finally, do yourself a favour and install a Magnefine in-line filter in the ATF cooler return line ...

[tomedkaz]

Had a productive day with the XC today. Took it to Nick over at High Bloom Auto (the only Volvo guy I trust) for a tranny flush, timing belt and accessory belt change.

Also, I wanted to go the the dealer to program a used R cluster that I got form eBay but then I figured out I could tackle the job of swapping the needles and faces - I wanted to keep the original miles of the car (the R cluster had 76 and my car has 86K).

I know OceanRacer did something similar and apparently had to take the needles out 20 times to calibrate it etc, but I went a different route. I designed a template which allowed me to record each needle's position, and once swapped I just put it back at the outlined space. At the end, each gauge was set-in perfectly, and I even verified the speedo with GPS.

The next step is to connect the LED cluster, but it was already getting too late in the day for that.


http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_213033_zpsfulwdb1e.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_213129_zpsei7mn28w.jpg

Test fit of the R cluster with the wrong mileage - it all works (except the LEDs)
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_213431_zpspgecan0c.jpg

The surgery begins
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_215809_zpsevypsyj7.jpg

This was my template. Worked like a charm! To calibrate, simply push the needle a bit in, then move all the way right, then all the way left and see where it stops. Then just push it until the template matches (hard to explain...and I'm sleepy...but you get the idea)
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_222256_zpsqykjmx1s.jpg

Moving gauges and needles from the bottom R cluster to the XC cluster (top)
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_222903_zpskb7unpij.jpg

Testing the RMP and temperature gauges (angle of the camera is a bit misleading)
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_223324_zpsxlyntjyl.jpg

Swap almost done
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_223633_zpszgzyxmhy.jpg

The little plastic under the fuel gauge in the XC has a little bump, whereas the R cluster does not have it. Simple fix - two screws from the back undo the plastic, and it's easily swappable. See the difference?
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_224105_zpstsbk14wk.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_224132_zpsu6uxu29t.jpg

Calibrated and good as new!!! The temperature gauge shows the actual temperature - the photo was taken right after start-up and the engine was cold...it later went up to its usual level
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_224851_zpsopcgpe5q.jpg

Oh another thing...in order for the LED bezel to fit over the XC cluster, these things needed to be shortened. I took pliers to break them a bit..it looks ugly now, but once the bezel is over it you don't see it at all
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_230658_zpsoveduxq5.jpg

Unfortunately this is what I see at night...but that won't be long - I'll connect the LEDs shortly
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_234754_zpsoc6gy6zz.jpg

What do we have here!!! It will look better during the day
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_235414_zpsdilpcgyk.jpg

Another night shot...
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141024_235424_zpsrwrp7idj.jpg



For those who are interested in doing the same, I can walk you through it...just let me know




Finally hooked up the cluster LEDs. My only concern is that the fuse I picked stays on during driving, and they don't dim. Does anyone know which fuse slot this could go into in order for the LEDs to turn on only when the headlights are on?

A few pics of my setup.
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141031_163055_zps1nhzppl1.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141031_163100_zpsf8zxh3od.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141031_193855_zpsfufalhih.jpg

[tomedkaz]

Okay...new issue...replaced my steering wheel but now the horn does not work!!!! Any idea where I screwed up?

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_223752_zpsffhzuwfn.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_223758_zps4cdj9ilt.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_224956_zpstxiwfdcg.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_225207_zpsh3fpdh1n.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_225529_zpspo4mm0aa.jpg



Also...did the upper engine mount and poly inserts oh and the lower tranny mount
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_231012_zpsrzq4em6r.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_205723_zps8uyp5yi3.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_210500_zpsya7wx3dl.jpg

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/Mobile%20Uploads/20141106_211017_zpssn9dyjfi.jpg



Oh..and also did this!!! love it
http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag208/tlawrowski/20141107_173140_zpsajywyrxa.jpg