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My 2003 XC70 AWD (125,000 km) just started driving like a FWD. When the front wheels lose traction on the snow or wet roads and start spinning, the rear wheels are not engaging. Until last week it was almost impossible to get the wheels to spin, now I'm getting stuck on snowy roads if I have to stop and start.
There are no warning lights on the dash pointing to any problems, and I cehcked all the AWD fuses shown in the owners manual.
Does anyone have any ideas what may be causing this?
Thanks,
Tom
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posted by
someone claiming to be bwik
on
Tue Feb 27 07:21 CST 2007 [ RELATED]
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Did you rotate the tires ever? Apparently that is v important.
Our 2001 XC has 115,000 miles now. No angle gear problems OR maintenance yet. Guess we are the lucky ones. My indy mechanic does not wish to mess with the AWD fluid.
About your car's failure.. although it is unfortunate for you.. you say it simply lost RWD ability? Maybe it is not worth fixing at all. New cars typically charge around $2k for AWD. On a used car, maybe it's not worth $2k to fix. For us, it's really only 2 days per year when you need AWD to get around.
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Thanks for the message.
I did end up getting it replaced. I expect the dealer rotated the tires when I broght it in for 24K, 48K, 72K etc. service, but I cannot be sure. My 2002 S60 AWD 125000km. has not had any angle gear problems, so maybe it was bad luck with the 03 xc70. I also used the XC to tow my boat trailer many times each summer for the past 4 years, so maybe that has something to do with it?
We have lots of snow this winter, and I'm often on icy snow covered rural roads, so the AWD is important to me.
After getting it fixed, I'm trading the car for a new XC70. This time I got the dealer to include extended warranty to 120,000km at no cost - as a good will gesture, based on the cost of repairing the 03.
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You will also not be able to do any diagnostics with a commercial scan tool. You need the service of a dealer, sorry. It is probably just something simple like a loose wire or relay.
If the dealer diagnoses it as needing a new ABS module, then send it to Vic Rochas for a permanent fix for around $150. I don't know what Canadian customs will say about return shipment, but it has to be cheaper than the dealer.
Let us know what you find out,
Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi
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Hi Klaus,
Bad news, Volvo says it needs a new angle gear (>$2000). Also says the ABS control module needs replacing since it is giving fault codes. I'll hold off on that and look into getting it repaired by Vic Rocha. I'll have to see how feasible it is to get this back and forth through customs.
Oh well...expensive car...expensive repairs!
Of course, Volvo suggests I should have bought the extended warranty. Maybe they are right, but I don't think these parts should be giving out after 125,000km of mainly highway driving!
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posted by
someone claiming to be Franz
on
Wed Feb 14 10:35 CST 2007 [ RELATED]
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My wife has the 2003 XC. I am going with Klaus's maintainance recommendations
vs none from VOLVO.
In your case, ask to see the failed angle gear and it's pieces (keep it all). Does it have an evident fatique defect, maybe dating back to mfg.??? Make them(Volvo Corp) tell you why the gear failed. I can think of no solid excuse on a car that new, with that low amilage for a gear failure, unless you had wicked drive train vibration do to miss-matched tire tread depth. I would try to get VOLVO to pick up some or all of the tab.
If we need to start buying an extended warrenty to protect for a Volvo power train failure under 200K and Volvo doesn't stand behind the failure...... they need to put a Ford emblem on the car. This is our 5th Volvo. Good Luck
Art,
Keep us posted..... you are further down the milage road then us on the XC.
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And I thought it was only 1998-01 awd models that had angle gear problems. I will store that in the appropriate section of my dying grey matter for later recall.
I have always suggested that those of us with angle gears, change the oil in that box every 60,000 miles (100,000Km). Volvo does not have a service bulletin for that in North America. Europe does, interesting???
It's not much cheaper to get the box changed in the lower 48. Vic will do a good job on the ABS box. There is someone in the Toronto area who does ABS controllers... but I forgot... it was mentioned within the last 6 months.
Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi
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Thanks Klaus,
It is going into the dealer tomorrow, so I'll let you know what the news is.
Best regards,
Tom
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Franz is correct in his post. Ask to keep the old angle gear and also get a write up of what failed. A Volvo regional representative should be called by the dealer to explain why the angle gear would fail with only 125,000Km (78,000miles). My dealer would be put on the spot if it were my car.
Of course, your tires are matching aren't they? You know that you cannot just buy 2 new tires for the front and be happy, you must have all 4 of the same make and size and tread pattern. If not, it is your fault for the failure.
When you get a new angle gear, remember, the spare tire can never be used even for 10Km. Rotate the tires every other oil change, front to back.
Let us know the outcome with the dealer. It is an expensive car, there should not be expensive repairs.
Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi
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Hi Klaus and Franz,
Thanks for the advice and comments. I have never used the spare tire, and I had all 4 tires replaced at about 95,000 km last year, with the same Pirelli Scorpions that were originally installed.
I will ask to see the old angle gear, and ask for an explanation why it failed. I have already told the dealer to call Volvo Canada to see what they would do for me on the angle gear replacement cost.
If you can recall who in Canada (Toronto area?) can repair the ABS control unit, I would appreciate the help.
Incidentally, I am shopping for a new car to replace my 2002 Volvo S60 AWD (also 125,000km). I think I should get rid of it soon before the repair costs start adding up as well! I was looking at the 2007 S80, but after the cost of these repairs I have told the sales manager and service rep at the same dealer that I may not buy another Volvo. I'm checking out the Lexus RX400H and the Acura RDX!
I'll keep you posted...
Thanks,
Tom
Campbellville, Ontario
2002 S60 AWD 125,000 km
2003 XC70 125,000km.
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Sorry Tom
I cannot find the Canadian ABS repair man. Just don't bother having the dealer replace it at over $400US. Victor does a much better job.
Lexus or Acura? Nice choices...
Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi
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