I'm looking for opinions from other S70 owners. I've been having issues with my car, that I'm believing are electrical. My antenna motor blew about 5 months ago, since then the outside temp gage says it's 140 degrees, part of the lights on my radio have gone out. I also have a problem with "sticky buttons" on all 4 doors and the dials and buttons for the temp. controls get scratched (and look awful). The car also creaks and moans like an old house. It has 55K on it and is getting approx. 22-24mpg.

I'm wondering if the electrical problems are probably going to get worse, are these problems that others have also?

I've been test driving cars, and am really tempted to trade in the beast for a Mazda3, but worry that I'm jumping the gun.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

TIA
M.E.

Motorized radio antenna replacements are selling on eBay for $25-$30. They are easy to install and work as well as OE for 1/10 the cost of dealer repair

I still owe 10K on this beast. So that's something else to add into the equasion....

Or is this just a case of me REALLY wanting a new car, and loosing sight between my desires and needs?

As noted by the OP, you seem to have some relatively minor problems. I have 137k miles on my '98T5 it still burns no oil and the clutch is the original one. Bad news is I've been shotgunning suspension parts, electrical parts and AC parts into the car for years now. No worse than my Saabs were, though.

Volvos are certainly not maintenance free cars, but fixing mine is still a whole lot cheaper than leasing a new BMW 735iL! (or that's what I keep telling myself!)

If you DO switch, switch to a Honda-Acura or Toyota-Lexus, most other choices are like going from the frying pan and into the fire!

-Punx

TSS,

You're probably jumping the gun.

1. Antenna motor: Very unusual for the motor to blow, it's probably the nylon mast gear and is easily replaced. The part is @$25.00 U.S.

2.. The outside temperature sending unit fits in a hole on the driver's side of the front air-dam. It's either loose or the mount is broken. Your're more than likely picking up engine heat.

3. Radio bulbs can be replaced but it requires some soldering work. If you keep the panel illumination contol at 90% or less you won't have another burned-out switch/instrument bulb.

4. "Sticky buttons" are probably the central locking receiver and/or remote controls. The receiver is located above the instrument cluster and goes bad from the intense heat. I've replaced mine once already. More of an inconvenience really. Also make sure the battery in the remote is good.

5. The controls have a "rubberized coating." Improper cleaning and sharp nails, rings, etc. can scratch it. You can either remove the coating completely or recoat with a rubberized plastic product.

6. Check the suspension and make sure that ALL lubrication points are serviced. Also check for loose fasteners in and around the dash.

While a PITA, these are relatively minor problems. The resources of the Brick Board and Bay 13 will give you excellent instructions and support.

Volvos have never been low maintenance vehicles. The trade-off is a sturdy, safe, fast ( in GLT or T5 form) and relatively classy ride.

Good luck,

Bryan

Bryan, the Radio bulbs can be replaced very easily without soldering. See my other posts on this. I agree with you that a bad sensor or loose wiring are likely the problem of the bad temperature readings but it is not related to engine temp; the bad connection or bad sensor causes the 140 degree reading.

kshaw,

The 140º F reading would be an electrical issue for sure.

I'll search the Archive for your non-soldered bulb repair procedure.

Bryan

Thanks Bryan, I appreciate your response...

1. Antenna motor: Very unusual for the motor to blow, it's probably the nylon mast gear and is easily replaced. The part is @$25.00 U.S.

*It's definitely the motor, according to the mechanic. We ended up getting the antenna up and "locking" the motor. At least that's what I was told "we" did :)

2.. The outside temperature sending unit fits in a hole on the driver's side of the front air-dam. It's either loose or the mount is broken. You're more than likely picking up engine heat.

*I've taken it to the dealership to fix this twice - and it's expensive. They were unable to fix it both times. I gave up on that one.

3. Radio bulbs can be replaced but it requires some soldering work. If you keep the panel illumination control at 90% or less you won't have another burned-out switch/instrument bulb.

*I found directions for this one on line, so we're going to try it.

4. "Sticky buttons" are probably the central locking receiver and/or remote controls. The receiver is located above the instrument cluster and goes bad from the intense heat. I've replaced mine once already. More of an inconvenience really. Also make sure the battery in the remote is good.

*I should have been more specific on this one. The buttons are physically sticky to the touch. To the point that we will no longer touch them. I can't find anything to get rid of the stickiness.

5. The controls have a "rubberized coating." Improper cleaning and sharp nails, rings, etc. can scratch it. You can either remove the coating completely or recoat with a rubberized plastic product.

*How can you remove the coating?

6. Check the suspension and make sure that ALL lubrication points are serviced. Also check for loose fasteners in and around the dash.

While a PITA, these are relatively minor problems. The resources of the Brick Board and Bay 13 will give you excellent instructions and support.

*What is the Brick Board and Bay 13?

Volvo's have never been low maintenance vehicles. The trade-off is a sturdy, safe, fast ( in GLT or T5 form) and relatively classy ride.

*I don't know which one I have (it's a 5 cylinder and I know it's not GLT or Turbo), but it's not that fast either. And it's a gas hog.

Thanks again!

Regarding getting rid of the "stickiness", try using dish washing liquids like "Jif" (I don't know if it is called "Jif" in USA, it is white and a little abrasive to the touch and used for cleaning heavily dirtied pots/pans). Use a clean cloth and a little bit of the liquid. I have tried this and so far after one year none of the stickiness returns yet. Be careful not to remove the whole layer of rubber coating.

TSS,

You're welcome.

The other posters have given you good advice which you should follow.

The BrickBoard is the site you're on. You can access Bay 13 by going to www.volvospeed.com and searching for repair & maintenance.

To remove the rubberized coating you will need to scrape it off. This is very time consuming and you can gouge the plastic. If there are only a few deep scratches, you can dip a very fine tipped brush in a clear rubberizing coating and fill them in--much like repairing a paint scratch.

Bryan

Have a look at the thread above named:

In need of a manual...any suggestions? [S70]

for sites with service info. It has the Bay13 reference (a
site that should be in the volvo owners manual).

I have a 98 and have had a few of the same problems. But
I have had few problems in the last 2 to 3 years. The first
18 months I had quite a few and those were fixed under warranty.
You car should be in middle age and the 98's do ok in "middle age".

I'd try cleaning the window switch with lighter fluid. We used to
use that to clean up interior parts when I had a job installing
car stereo systems (in college). Test first to make sure it
does not stain.

My power antenna frequently sticks going up the first time. I
turn off the radio and try again. It always works the second
time. I;d avoid oiling the mast since oil attracts dirt and makes
it worse over time. Clean it instead. Note that WD40 is a solvent
and is good for cleaning if you spray some on a rag and wipe down
the antenna.

Finally, the car does have squeeks and rattles (although not as bas
as my wifes 1995 855). I just turn up the stereo (and avoid 50
series hi-prformance tires which make it worse).