First Volvo questions 2012 xc70 T6 platinum 175K

Brankovie · May 7, 2021

My first Volvo, so I am trying to learn how to maintain it. I don't have much of service history other than what is in Carfax. Are there things that I should do now or soon? The known issues: head lamp failure service required, (I believe it's the passenger side as it doesn't move like the driver's side on startup), cylinder 2 misfire ( I took 2 spark plugs out and they look pitiful, plus the #2 was dirty and had some oil on it), brake vacuum pump leaks oil, occasionally I get P0420 code (something about O2 sensors) but it comes and goes.
The low battery warning comes on pretty quickly after the engine is shut off, within 2 minutes. The battery is only 18 months old, so I don't know what that is about.
Sometimes the shifter service required comes on but not every time. It shifts properly. I would appreciate any input on that.
So far I changed the tires, got some interior trim replacement pieces, ordered set of spark plugs, oil filter, bought engine oil, ordered the vacuum pump repair kit and the oil trap PVC thing (since I don't know if it has been ever replaced). I work on my cars myself. Anything else I should do or look for?
Thanks!

pbierre · May 8, 2021

What kind of mileage are you getting? If it's below 21 mpg average, you likely need new coil-packs.

As far as the oil-fouled sparkplug, I'd put in the new ones, and plan to take 'em out and inspect them after 1 month.
I'd test the cylinder compressions. I'd closely track oil consumption over first few thousand miles.

Battery?....the power-lift tailgate uses quite a bit of juice, and is usually operated with the engine off. You want to put in the largest possible battery that fits the battery box (e.g., Interstate MT-92 T7). Since upgrading both my P3 XC70s with this battery, I've never seen the Low Battery warning.

It's probably overdue for AWD service, tranny flush, power steering flush, brake fluid flush. Check the pH of the coolant.

PCV check....do the rubber glove test.

Cooling system: What's your running engine temp.? Should be 88-90C.

Feel the alternator drive collar for any looseness.

Check out the YouTube channel "VolvoSweden"....many detailed repair/maintenance/upgrade videos for this XC70. I think you'll enjoy working on this car. Don't fool around with aftermarket parts....buy Volvo or same quality.

mediabybrenm · May 8, 2021

Great advice above. The VolvoSweden YouTube channel is amazingly helpful. Their vacuum pump reseal tutorial saved me a lot of money.

Check your serpentine belt as well. If it has never been done, you are way past the interval and should tend to it right away. FCP Euro has a kit that includes the belt and all of the tensioners/pulleys. Be sure to replace the alternator decoupler pulley along with it, and check the alternator drive collar, as stated above. This could very well fix your battery issue if it's related to improper charging.

If you have time, start a personal thread and document on the forum what you're working on with the car! I'd love to see the "restoration."

Brankovie · May 8, 2021

Thanks for the input! More research to do...
From what I can gather, the power steering fluid was flushed at 85 K and the break fluid at 135K. No indication of anything else being done other than brakes, oil changes tire rotation, rear coil springs and sway bar links replaced at 135K and the"engine computer module reprogrammed" by the last dealer (whatever that means). All of the work has been done at non volvo shops. I am not a mechanic but I had done most of the things recommended here on my other cars (mostly Toyotas and a Ford ranger). I am still getting familiar with the T6 engine bay. It is a little more crowded in there and has different parts and designs than I am used to. Do you have a recommendation on how to get the VIDA tool? It looks like it would be a worthwhile investment since I am going to be a Volvo mechanic ,

Eric Green · May 8, 2021

Your brake fluid needs flushing. Your coolant ABSOLUTELY needs replacement. At Volvo of Toronto, each of those costs ~CAD125. Just stupid-cheap preventative maintenance, IMO.

Other highly useful tips from VolvoSweden is the AWD and diff servicing. Yuri gives you the part numbers, and you need a 250mm syringe, but take your time and it’s simple enough. I also installed the iPd rear diff module cover, as I live in the Salt Belt. Again, all cheap insurance.

I’d recommend against a transmission flush, but commence a series of drain and fills with Volvo-spec fluid. ~3.8l of ATF/service. I have the dealer do this because of the idiotic fill plug design.

Brankovie · May 8, 2021

Eric Green said:
Your brake fluid needs flushing. Your coolant ABSOLUTELY needs replacement. At Volvo of Toronto, each of those costs ~CAD125. Just stupid-cheap preventative maintenance, IMO.

Other highly useful tips from VolvoSweden is the AWD and diff servicing. Yuri gives you the part numbers, and you need a 250mm syringe, but take your time and it's simple enough. I also installed the iPd rear diff module cover, as I live in the Salt Belt. Again, all cheap insurance.

I'd recommend against a transmission flush, but commence a series of drain and fills with Volvo-spec fluid. ~3.8l of ATF/service. I have the dealer do this because of the idiotic fill plug design.

So brake system flush is recommended every 40k miles?

Eric Green · May 8, 2021

Brankovie said:
So brake system flush is recommended every 40k miles?

Brake fluid is hygroscopic. I change it every two years. Cheap preventative maintenance.

Wayne T5 · May 9, 2021

Regarding the low battery light - Volvo's are pretty sensitive to this so the battery may just be a little low from sitting a lot - like most cars have been the past 12+ months.

Definitely do a full stage zero on the car - all fluids and filters. ATF change is easy enough to do yourself - get the kit from FCP. Having a VIDA set up of your own is invaluable - easiest to just get a PC that already has the program loaded.

pbierre · May 9, 2021

If you buy VIDA, be sure to get 14d version....this cover cars up thru end of 2014.

Brankovie · May 11, 2021

Wayne T5 said:
Regarding the low battery light - Volvo's are pretty sensitive to this so the battery may just be a little low from sitting a lot - like most cars have been the past 12+ months.

Definitely do a full stage zero on the car - all fluids and filters. ATF change is easy enough to do yourself - get the kit from FCP. Having a VIDA set up of your own is invaluable - easiest to just get a PC that already has the program loaded.

Thanks, Wayne, as I am reading up on it, it might be that the battery is being drained by the satellite radio. The car is driven daily and not just for short distance so it should be charging fine. There is also the possibility that there is a charging issue but I will have to figure out how to verify that.

mediabybrenm · May 11, 2021

Brankovie said:
Thanks, Wayne, as I am reading up on it, it might be that the battery is being drained by the satellite radio. The car is driven daily and not just for short distance so it should be charging fine. There is also the possibility that there is a charging issue but I will have to figure out how to verify that.

Hold off before worrying about that battery, speaking from experience.

When I bought my S60 T6, it has been sitting on the lot for quite a while. As soon as I got in the car, it had the warning but fired right up. I knew it had sat, so I bought the car expecting to have to put a new battery in it.

In the first week, I owned it, the warning came on a few times when I sat in the car for roughly 2 mins after turning off the ignition. Then in the following week, it happened maybe once.

I have now owned the car for 5 months, and it has never happened again, even when sitting with the engine off for long periods of time. I'm glad I didn't just throw a new battery in the car. My advice would be to forget about it until July, and revisit if it's still an issue. I doubt it'll leave you stranded.

Humanxp1001 · May 11, 2021

Hey fellow newbie! Last week I bought a 2014 XC70 T6 with 165,000 miles on it. It was a one owner car and it looks like the previous owner took meticulous care of it and had all of its service done at the Volvo dealership they purchased it from. I’ll be joining you in learning how to work on these things! Cheers!

EPDinc · May 11, 2021

I had the same issue when I got my 2013 T6 XC70 3 month ago. I ended up replacing the battery since it was 5 years old.
If I were you, probably trickle charge the battery and see what happens. Unfortunately, replacing a battery takes an extra step (need reset) for these cars.
I had a scanner to reset but if not, it could have cost me more than what I anticipated.
Anyway.. enjoy you new ride!

Brankovie · May 11, 2021

EPDinc said:
I had the same issue when I got my 2013 T6 XC70 3 month ago. I ended up replacing the battery since it was 5 years old.
If I were you, probably trickle charge the battery and see what happens. Unfortunately, replacing a battery takes an extra step (need reset) for these cars.
I had a scanner to reset but if not, it could have cost me more than what I anticipated.
Anyway.. enjoy you new ride!

I wonder if it was reset when they changed it the last time. What scanner did you use? I only have an OBDII scanner with Torque app. I don't think it has that function.

EPDinc · May 11, 2021

Brankovie said:
I wonder if it was reset when they changed it the last time. What scanner did you use? I only have an OBDII scanner with Torque app. I don't think it has that function.

I have a Foxwell NT530. Initially I purchased it for my Acuras but added a Volvo software. it allows me to reset battery and also EPB service mode.

Brankovie · May 14, 2021

pbierre said:
What kind of mileage are you getting? If it's below 21 mpg average, you likely need new coil-packs.

As far as the oil-fouled sparkplug, I'd put in the new ones, and plan to take 'em out and inspect them after 1 month.
I'd test the cylinder compressions. I'd closely track oil consumption over first few thousand miles.

Battery?....the power-lift tailgate uses quite a bit of juice, and is usually operated with the engine off. You want to put in the largest possible battery that fits the battery box (e.g., Interstate MT-92 T7). Since upgrading both my P3 XC70s with this battery, I've never seen the Low Battery warning.

It's probably overdue for AWD service, tranny flush, power steering flush, brake fluid flush. Check the pH of the coolant.

PCV check....do the rubber glove test.

Cooling system: What's your running engine temp.? Should be 88-90C.

Feel the alternator drive collar for any looseness.

Check out the YouTube channel "VolvoSweden"....many detailed repair/maintenance/upgrade videos for this XC70. I think you'll enjoy working on this car. Don't fool around with aftermarket parts....buy Volvo or same quality.

Thanks, Eric, I want to follow up with you about the coolant temperature.i checked yesterday on my Torque app and the coolant temperature was 203 fahrenheit (95C) and so was the transmission. This was at idle after driving for a couple of miles. I don't know the significance of it. Seems kinda high. I don't know how accurate the measurements are.

Brankovie · May 18, 2021

Just an update, so far I replaced the air and cabin filters, spark plugs (some of which had some dried up oil in the well - picture below), some interior trim and that's it. I have everything for the transmission fluid change, oil change and vacuum pump repair kit. Even the PCB oil trap but maybe I will send it back as the current one seems to be working fine. I ordered the ignition coils as well as I have a couple that are giving me intermittent trouble. I should be able to get the fluid changes done this week. Here is the picture of one of the spark plugs:

IMG_20210513_222942668.jpg

Brankovie
May 18, 2021

mediabybrenm · May 20, 2021

Wow, those plugs look pretty rough. I'm sure you noticed a performance bump when you got those out of there.

CarrollGardener · May 21, 2021

pbierre said:
What kind of mileage are you getting? If it's below 21 mpg average, you likely need new coil-packs.

As far as the oil-fouled sparkplug, I'd put in the new ones, and plan to take 'em out and inspect them after 1 month.
I'd test the cylinder compressions. I'd closely track oil consumption over first few thousand miles.

Battery?....the power-lift tailgate uses quite a bit of juice, and is usually operated with the engine off. You want to put in the largest possible battery that fits the battery box (e.g., Interstate MT-92 T7). Since upgrading both my P3 XC70s with this battery, I've never seen the Low Battery warning.

It's probably overdue for AWD service, tranny flush, power steering flush, brake fluid flush. Check the pH of the coolant.

PCV check....do the rubber glove test.

Cooling system: What's your running engine temp.? Should be 88-90C.

Feel the alternator drive collar for any looseness.

Check out the YouTube channel "VolvoSweden"....many detailed repair/maintenance/upgrade videos for this XC70. I think you'll enjoy working on this car. Don't fool around with aftermarket parts....buy Volvo or same quality.

Interesting RE coil packs. Might explain the terrible mileage I'm getting in my high-miles V70 (184K).

Brankovie · May 21, 2021

CarrollGardener said:
Interesting RE coil packs. Might explain the terrible mileage I'm getting in my high-miles V70 (184K).

I don't know what the mileage was on our car so I can't speak about improvement in that area, but after replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils the car drives so much better!

First Volvo questions 2012 xc70 T6 platinum 175K

Brankovie

pbierre

mediabybrenm

Brankovie

Eric Green

Brankovie

Eric Green

Wayne T5

pbierre

Brankovie

mediabybrenm

Humanxp1001

EPDinc

Brankovie

EPDinc

Brankovie

Brankovie

IMG_20210513_222942668.jpg

mediabybrenm

CarrollGardener

Brankovie

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