Yes, hopefully – I doubt they could wear much more than they were!
Pastry's suspiciously cheap XC90 2.5T
4 days later
- Edited
Finally got light to the LEDs in the replaced cluster. We don’t drive much at night so it took ages to realise and didn’t really matter - who needs to be able to see what speed they’re going?
Anyway.. done!
With help from this thread (in Norwegian)
Anyway.. done!
With help from this thread (in Norwegian)
20 days later
- Edited
The 90's odometer ticked past 250,000km on the way back from our family camping trip up to Byron.
The old barge took it all in its stride, with nice cold AC, comfort for 5, loads of gear hauled, and returning 11 L/100km over the almost 2000km round trip.
Proud of my machine!
The old barge took it all in its stride, with nice cold AC, comfort for 5, loads of gear hauled, and returning 11 L/100km over the almost 2000km round trip.
Proud of my machine!
Just want to thank Pastry, and everyone else, for their contributions in this thread, because I recently bought a bargain priced XC90 2.5T (268k, just run in) in Brisvagas with eyes wide shut to replace my much older nd dead 850V 2.5.
The seller was up front about the front control arm bushings and transmission issues, complete with warnings. Seller had replaced the accessible ATF, but not a complete flush. He suggested to replace the transmission control module, software update. Interior very clean and in good condition.
The test drive highlighted to me front bushings first, transmission second. All servicing docs reviewed, showing a transmission flush fairly early in its life. Rego ran out in 48 hours, seller desperate, so bought for $1450!
Over the pits, two new front control arms, two new front tyres (just a tiny oil drip from the turbo) and a wheel alignment, passed rego, drive back to the Gold Coast. Runs smoothly, clunks over bumps from worn front struts pads.
Over the course acquainted myself, mainly courtesy of this forum, on XC90 issues, particularly the transmission. So decided on a full AT flush as part of its first service (fluids, filters etc). And to 'retrain' my control module instead if replacement. Codes cleared. Transmission low down gear changes smooth.
Move forward a month, to now replace front strut top pads, replace all engine mount bushes, replace cabin pollen air filter, and on checking the radiator coolant, a touch of pink ATF not present a day or so before. New radiator, and another ATF and radiator coolant flush, hold the bushes and air filter. Running very very well. Less than 11L /100k fuel hwy cycle.
Next to do are the engine mounts and air filter as previously planned. Will take a look at the B4 solenoid cover per the advice herein. All said, very very happy with the buy. I will update on anything major if that happens.
The seller was up front about the front control arm bushings and transmission issues, complete with warnings. Seller had replaced the accessible ATF, but not a complete flush. He suggested to replace the transmission control module, software update. Interior very clean and in good condition.
The test drive highlighted to me front bushings first, transmission second. All servicing docs reviewed, showing a transmission flush fairly early in its life. Rego ran out in 48 hours, seller desperate, so bought for $1450!
Over the pits, two new front control arms, two new front tyres (just a tiny oil drip from the turbo) and a wheel alignment, passed rego, drive back to the Gold Coast. Runs smoothly, clunks over bumps from worn front struts pads.
Over the course acquainted myself, mainly courtesy of this forum, on XC90 issues, particularly the transmission. So decided on a full AT flush as part of its first service (fluids, filters etc). And to 'retrain' my control module instead if replacement. Codes cleared. Transmission low down gear changes smooth.
Move forward a month, to now replace front strut top pads, replace all engine mount bushes, replace cabin pollen air filter, and on checking the radiator coolant, a touch of pink ATF not present a day or so before. New radiator, and another ATF and radiator coolant flush, hold the bushes and air filter. Running very very well. Less than 11L /100k fuel hwy cycle.
Next to do are the engine mounts and air filter as previously planned. Will take a look at the B4 solenoid cover per the advice herein. All said, very very happy with the buy. I will update on anything major if that happens.
Cheers @djwillcox – good to hear that others are saving and using otherwise crusher-destined XC90s, and glad my documented experiences here help that happen!
9 months later
A short update, latest service 292k, replaced aircon compressor and serpentine belt. Engine mount bushes replaced. Transmission flush. Replaced cabin pollen air filter. The car is purring, better than 9l/100k highway cycle. Next will be two new rear tires. 
2 months later
Short update for me –
Sounds as if the AC compressor is dead again.
Perhaps mentioned that i'd swapped out for a used spare and had it regassed last year. Also changed the pressure switch (and radiator) at the same time. After a couple of months it ceased blowing cold air, thought perhaps the shop had failed to check for leaks effectively.
Took it for a look yesterday (hey, just in time for summer - again!) and they reckon the compressor won't fire even when directly powered, but suggested taking it to an auto elec to be sure before changing it out.
Read a bit about modules etc which sounds painful.
@paul0075 @Philia_Bear do either of you have a spare used compressor in your stores?
Should be about 400 for a low mileage one from a wrecker.
can probably buy a whole XC90 for that much though :P
Dont waste money on 2nd hand compressors get me the pert number and i can get you a new aftermarket one for under $600
timbo Dont waste money on 2nd hand compressors get me the pert number and i can get you a new aftermarket one for under $600
This +1
Cheers fellas. I’ll get it confirmed first I suppose.
13 days later
- Edited
So... the electrical/AC mechanic tells me that the relay is not grounding, and reckons it's the pressure switch.
Funnily enough I changed that over when the AC failed last time. I'm not sure what kills one of these but that's pretty quick – is it likely the AC system has a load of crap in it from the previous compressor failure, and that has jammed up the switch?
I'm pleased it's not the compressor – it'll fire up when the relay is manually grounded to the frame – but worried there's something deeper.
Ordered a new switch anyway. AC mechanic thinks these can be swapped without evacuating the system?
– – –
FWIW I did a fluid change yesterday including refilling the transmission several times. It was absolutely filthy in there. Seeing a bit of flaring under load now that's done, guess it needs a Vida reset?
I also decided to pull the VVT solenoids to clean them as they were throwing a fault code. Of course I didn't account for the gaskets falling to bits.. with no replacements available for days I decided I might as well try temporarily sealing them with anaerobic sealant (oil pan sealant) – a swedespeed forum post said it was a temp solution. Guess I didn't let it cure long enough because they are leaking.. argh! Thankfully not fouling up the timing belt, as far as I can tell.
So, ordered some of those 2 buck gaskets too.
All in all.. a slight painful series of events for the old bus.
Gearbox behaving much better after battery disconnect.
VVT leak however.. the quick bodge is a fail, so the 90 will have to sit until those gaskets show up.
Also noticed I have a PS leak from the rack area. Bugger.
6 months later
I've not visited for a bit for various reasons, but now I have a lovely fault to sort out so thought I'd document..
Just ticked past 266,000km.
Out of nowhere airbag light accompanied with "SRS Airbag Service Urgent" message on the DIM. The only "event" I can pin it to is my 1 year old spewing in the back of the car, which may have had some impact on seat / belt wiring. Seems unlikely but I can't think of anything else that might be a trigger.
Just had codes read with one of those high-end Snap-on tools, and the airbag specifics I am getting are –
Both seem to be commonly associated with the airbag control module, and I understand these are very part # and model year specific. As my car has a few Frankenstein elements I have a few concerns, but this has not been an issue in the past two years so I hope I'm not going to regret swapping my seats and instrument cluster..!
There are a few other codes, mostly related to sorting out my steering angle sensor (one day..), and one related to seat belt reminder (
).
I suspect I will need to take the car to Volvo, but my first task is probably to pull out the driver and rear seat to check for any problems with sensor cabling etc, just in case. I've read a few things related to seat belt sensors etc.
Typically, rego is due on April 4th so I am pretty screwed for time. This has a slight feeling of "the end" about it – worried about the cost of this one..
The drivers airbag wires pass through the steering angle sensor so it's probably the issue if it's also coding.
Those codes can't possibly be related to the seats
Ordered a new steering angle sensor and a replacement for my faulty exhaust VVT solenoid. Ouch. That was pricey. The dollar really is in the dumps.
I really must also get hold of a VIDA/DICE setup!