As I am bringing my car in for service next week on the creaking and clunking, I want to make sure I am armed with the proper info as the service mgr tends to make me feel that my complaints are baseless. Am I to understand that the subframe bushing problem is unrelated to the ball joint problem? Are my creaking and clunking noises under the driver's feet most likely a sub frame bushing issue? If so, what solutions should I hear from them to rectify this. Also, my 1999 S80 has another problem which I have never experienced with an automatic car. If I am stopped on an incline, the car will roll back even though it is in drive. They have told me that this is a design feature and there is nothing they can do about it. Also, I understand that the remote key feature can be reprogrammed by download to unlock all doors when you click on unlock. My dealer indicates that it will cost me $80 to do so. Is this usual and/or a reasonable charge? I really love my S80, but I am concerned about getting these things taken care of. Any help or info you can provide me, especially before my service appointment on 3/16, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The roll back when in gear with foot off brake enough so as to allow brakes to be released, is normal when the idle speed is low. The idle speed is variable on that car based on ambient temp. If temp is lower the idle will be below 700 rpm and the torque converter which links engine to input of transmission, is less effective the lower the eng speed. When torque converter effectiveness decreases the torque converter is not applying enough engine torque to input shaft of trans so as to push car forward with enough force to stop the backwards motion. At other times when outside temp is higher and idle speed is elevated to 850 for better A/C performance when idling, the rollback will be less pronounced. The key here is that you should hold the brakes applied while stopped regardless whether the trans has more rollback resistance or not.

Andrea,

Regarding the 1-button unlock S/W patch, you should also be aware that there is also available from Volvo a S/W download that has the parking lites also flash once on successful unlocking (the default is the double flash on locking only). I find this feature to be pretty handy.

Frankly, I think that if they are going to hit you with a full hour shop charge, they may as well do the two at once if you are interested. I agree with the post that indicated that it probably takes but a few minutes to download the S/W so asking for both seems reasonable. (I paid twice by the way since I did not have them done at the same time so I am not completely sure this will work.)

Lastly, I had the same sub-frame bushing problem and the recall on my ball-joints for my '99 T-6. The ball joint problem was a non-issue for me (fixed during a routine service interval) and the sub-fram bushing problem is now fully repaired with the O-ring.

I have had your same frustration with the Volvo service staff; however, in discussing this with my service manager it became obvious that for the S-80, customers often come into the shop knowing more about service issues, S/W patches, and class problems than they do. In my case, this has certainly been true on; sub-frame bushing, one-touch unlock, unlock lite flash, third remotes, etc.

I am now getting to the point where the service manager acknowledges that, thanks to the internet, I am actually a credible source of information. (It helps that he is 0 for 4 on our earlier issues.) It did help when I brought in the internet posts to prove, for example, that one-touch unlock was possible.

Good luck. BTW, in spite of the above issues I LOVE my S80, it is a ball to own and drive.

Steve

Andrea,

The clunking noise you are hearing is probably caused by a defective front subframe bushing(left-rear, under the driver's foot). This defective bushing permits the subframe to make contact with the vehicle chassis, resulting in a clunking noise, which is heard coming from the driver's footwell area. This primarily occurs when accelerating from a stop, when turning, and when driving over uneven road surfaces, primarily at lower speeds (under 40 mph). Volvo issued a bulletin (Section 2, Group 21, Number 0030, Year 00, Month 04) to its dealer stating that approximately 136,000 S80s may be affected by this defect. Their solution is to install a pair of rubber o-rings between the two rear front subframe bushings and the chassis. While this fix may have worked in most of the S80s, it didn't work for me and many others who have posted here on brickboard and other Volvo forums.

I would also suggest that you read the numerous S80 subframe bushing posts at volvospy.com and at edmunds.com, under their Town Hall forum.

The front ball joint is not really related to the front subframe bushing problem, however both defective ball joints and subframe bushings can result in a clunking noise.

As far as your transmission is concerned, the roll-back on an incline appears to be a "characterestic" of the S80, mine also rolls back on inclines. I don't know if anything can be done to change this however. I have learned to keep my foot on the brake pedal.

Regarding reprogramming charge for the remote control, it seems to be on the high side, it doesn't take the dealer 1+ hours to reprogram the remote! I would check with other Volvo dealers in you area to see what they charge. I know from a friend of mine, who recently purchased a new BMW 530i, that the salesperson asks you how you want your remote controls programmed (at no charge) prior to delivery. I personally feel that dealers shouldn't charge customers for one-time reprogramming of the remote, but I guess that's something each dealership will have to decide for themselves. If your dealership truly values your business, they should be willing to absorb the one-time cost.

Good luck!

Dissatisfied S80 Owner

Good Luck!

Thank you for your prompt response. I am still a little annoyed about my call to my service advisor who made me feel like my complaints were baseless. I am printing out your response as well as others I have seen on various forums to take with me to my appointment. I do really love my car and, for me, it was my first step into what I consider a luxury auto. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

My reprogramming cost $29.00. I changed the locks and turned off the dayrunning lights, for a total of $60.