FAQ's - GOT QUESTIONS? SEARCH HERE FIRST BEFORE POSTING!

[Forkster]

There is a genuine need for a 2003+ XC90 FAQ thread , from what tires to get, questions about vehicle functions, transmissions, what to change, ETM, and alike. We'll strive to have the best answers possible based on the information we know at the time. Try not to take this FAQ as the end-all-be-all but a work in progress. Some of our answers will not be perfect, but if you come across anything that can help us build a better FAQ, please post it in here!

This FAQ is for all questions relating to the 2003+ Volvo XC90 only. Post the question AND the answer. DON'T ASK QUESTIONS IN THIS THREAD WITHOUT THE ANSWER. I will move it out into the general forum. I will also have non FAQ discussions/SPAM moved/deleted - so please stick to the topic - post the question and the answer OR the forum posting that answers it.

To add a FAQ entry: Post the question in the subject line and answer it below with references and forum links if possible.

[srs]

I wanted to share this observation. I hope FAQ is the appropriate place.

After 12 months and 15,000 miles I have noticed a 2-3 mpg improved highway mileage with standard size winter tires compared to wider summer tires.
Winter tires: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV 235/60R18 XL 107 R on stock "Camulus" 7x18 wheels.
Summer tires: Michelin Latitude Tour HP 255/50 R19 107 V on Volvo "Alastor" 8x19 wheels.

My prior experience with other vehicles was poorer mileage with winter tires and winter driving in general.

[nickbw]

I have noticed that Nokians start off giving very good wear characteristics which continues for 20,000 miles but after that wear rate appears to increase. I've noticed this to be more pronounced with Nokian Summer tyres/tires. What I have seen on Nokians is very comprehensive advice - on the tyre wall - of Tightening Torque relative to tyre pressure. e.g. on WR SUV3 s
Tightening Torque

90 110 120 130 140 Nm
32 35 38 41 44 47 49 PSI
220 240 260 280 300 320 340 KPc

I've never seen this on any other tyre manufacturers product.

[B6294TXC90]

all terrian tires like all terrian not all season i want some all terrian tires for my xc90 any suggestions

[ScottyEff]

Looking for feedback/threads relating to '04 T5 XC90 and clogged oil traps/PCV/Flame trap/breather box...etc.., I have oil leaking, shop thought it was coming from multiple places, turbo, head gasket, cam seals,,,,,I think they do not know the common (apparently) problem with clogged PCV systems. Any threads you could point me to? Approximate repair cost? Is this cause by wrong oil type? Synthetic versus semi-synthetic versus non-synthetic? Was told long ago if you put synthetic in, you have to stay with synthetic? True? Or is this entire PCV clog common regardless?? Why is this not standard maintenance item?

[ScottyEff]

Looking for feedback/threads relating to '04 T5 XC90 and clogged oil traps/PCV/Flame trap/breather box...etc.., I have oil leaking, shop thought it was coming from multiple places, turbo, head gasket, cam seals,,,,,I think they do not know the common (apparently) problem with clogged PCV systems. Any threads you could point me to? Approximate repair cost? Is this cause by wrong oil type? Synthetic versus semi-synthetic versus non-synthetic? Was told long ago if you put synthetic in, you have to stay with synthetic? True? Or is this entire PCV clog common regardless?? Why is this not standard maintenance item?

[Mscott]

I can't get my rear hatch to open on my 2004 xc90. Outside handle feels like it's not hooked up. Is there a release on the inside?

[wndsrfr]

My wife and I had the same problem. We solved it by pushing the latch handle in the opposite direction first and then opening the hatch as if nothing had happened...I hope this helps.

[Curveball1970]

Curious about the recalls, and I replaced the CEM board and now my car needs reprogramming, what would I need in order to do this DIY, also if my 04 XC90 had recalls back when, am I still able to get the work done for free..

[UCrazyKid]

Regarding CEM programming, do you still have the old CEM? Contact Xemodex (wee.xemodex.con) and ask about porting the software.