I have posted a few topics in the last month or so looking for help with my car, and thanks to everyone for your replies.

This current issue with my V70R has solidified my mistrust of dealership service and knowledge. Over the years I have become more and more confident with my ability to perform repairs on my Volvos. There are a few factors that have facilitated this: Access to information though sites like the Brickboard, Volvospeed and V70R.com ; parts ordered on the internet; living out in the boonies of Northern Minnesota for 8 years(being forced to work on my own cars), owning cars without warranties, and some bad experiences with bad mechanics. I have acquired tools as well, which really helps. I also like working on cars, and that is probably the most important. When I bought my 04 V70R in November of 07, I was intimidated by this car, and fearful that I would not be able to work on it like I have on the other 8 volvos I have owned. I worried about taking it to the local dealer. Last Thursday I took it over to Hunter Asheville.

To recap a bit, my car developed a stalling problem. One of the first things I looked into was whether the recall 181 for the Fuel Pressure sensor had been done...called Volvo, and they confirmed that it had been done. I tried to rule out bad gas by running a couple tanks of good gas and fuel additives. Checked fuel pump relay, replaced the gas cap gasket. I changed the fuel and air filter. At 74000, the fuel filter was original. Still got a stall under load and during hard turns, with the engine is hot.

So I decided to take a closer look at the Fuel Pressure Sensor. Got a light, and a mirror, and copied down the part #, and checked the connection. Part# 8699449 was on the car. The correct part after the recall for the V70R is 30756097. Took the car in. I told the service manager of the symptoms I was having, and that the wrong part was on the car. They took the car in, and called me in the afternoon...and said the part was right, because it was the right color(grey). They too used a mirror to diagnose this. When I said that a Volvo dealer had performed the recall, and that the part number(8699449) was right on the front of the part, the service manager told me that it wasnt a part number, but was a manufacturers stamp. He maintained that part(30756097) was indeed on the car, and would hear or offer nothing else. I asked him if they had 30756097 in stock...he did.

Another call to customer service revealed that the part had been replaced in August of 06....well before Volvo had issued the recall, but since it had been replaced, it was considered a recall. Bart at customer service was very good and logical about the matter, and gave me a name and phone # if I wanted to pursue a warranty claim. I drove over to Hunter Asheville, forked out 209 bucks for the part, drove home and put it in. I also picked up a set of spark plugs at the dealer. I figured while I have the turbo pipe off, I might as well change those out too. To my shock and amazement, the Volvo spark plugs that were in the car were the wrong size! They were about a half inch shorter that the V70R/S60R plugs. Before I put them in , double and triple checked to make sure I had the right plugs. I did. Some moron put in the wrong plugs.

Put it back together, fired it up and went for a drive. What a difference. It's a different car....smoother acceleration, way more power. Now obviously, the spark plugs alone could create this improvement, so I have my fingers crossed that the FPS change out will cure the stall problem, and that I haven't wasted my money and energy on it. I still have to go for a long drive on I 40 to check it out. I will let you know .

I have posted this at V70R.com with some pictures:
http://www.v70r.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12226

Thanks again for your replies. Steve


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92 245, 1965 122 Wagon, 2003 Mini Cooper, past:95 850 Turbo, 92 245, 88 245, 82 245 Turbo, 71 164e