[Gab]

Just picked up the car from the dealer. The part number that they replaced is #31489409 - Control Unit. The technician showed me pictures they took before and after the repair (with the module mounted in new location), and walked me through the work they did by showing me two other vehicles that are going through the exact same repair in their shop. From what they told me, the new models that use Google Automotive don't have that part and are not affected.

They told me I have to file a complaint to Volvo Canada directly.

 

[ChrisJB84]

Just my perspective, I would go to a different dealer/service advisor next time you have some issues. And look at the search history here, very helpful.

I don't know what the warranty coverages differences are in Canada vs USA but this definitely look like something that Volvo would reasonably cover under warranty (Especially a relatively new car under 10k miles).

For the Volvo related personnel here, what are your thoughts here...

 

[VolvoFaRmeR]

If you have the time, search Swedespeed (XC90 forum) for the many water leakage XC90 posts and how it was dealt with. I hope you find a good service advisor to help you out!

Most of those are from very early built XC90s. For the most part....water leaks have been resolved. The most recent issues was the TCAM not sealing well. It's still worth lookin at prior posts, but sunroofs that leak today are likely not from the install issues 7 years ago.

 

[VolvoFaRmeR]

Just picked up the car from the dealer. The part number that they replaced is #31489409 - Control Unit. The technician showed me pictures they took before and after the repair (with the module mounted in new location), and walked me through the work they did by showing me two other vehicles that are going through the exact same repair in their shop. From what they told me, the new models that use Google Automotive don't have that part and are not affected.

They told me I have to file a complaint to Volvo Canada directly.

View attachment 180779

View attachment 180785 View attachment 180786

View attachment 180782


View attachment 180784

The module is mobile phone controller. If they really have mounted it on the floor under the carpet next to an opening in the carpet then.....yeah, you can see how melting snow could cause an issue. But moving the location seems very unusual for a Volvo-authroized fix. Weirder yt.....you are like the FIRST person to ever have this issue documented on this forum. There are tens of thousands of these things running around in winter climates for 7+ years now....how on earth could just today this issue "pop up". Thanks for sharing, and best news is you have it fixed.

 

[5ft24dave]

I would go to the manager of the dealership. With 3 others in there for the same issue and only 14km on it, there is no way if even pay $1.00 for the repair. I guarantee they are getting reimbursed by Volvo and your 560.00 is just money in their pockets

 

[Gab]

I would go to the manager of the dealership. With 3 others in there for the same issue and only 14km on it, there is no way if even pay $1.00 for the repair. I guarantee they are getting reimbursed by Volvo and your 560.00 is just money in their pockets

I saw the issue with my own eyes on two other cars in their service bays, and the technician walked me through the repair and what they think is causing this... there's no doubt to me there's a design or manufacturing flaw with some vehicles.

The dealer insists they've been fighting for me, and that even the local Volvo rep agrees this should be covered. They say the decision comes from another level in the hierarchy. I just sent a written notice through certified mail to Volvo Canada and the dealer and will follow through if they don't respond. The law is quite strict here and I think my case is clear -- they're probably just hoping most customers give up and end up paying. It has already cost me more than the repair in lost productivity.

 

[likeXC90]

I saw the issue with my own eyes on two other cars in their service bays

Would you happen to know the model years of these other XC90s? I'm curious if this module has always been in this precarious position or if this is a design change.

 

[VolvoFaRmeR]

Would you happen to know the model years of these other XC90s? I'm curious if this module has always been in this precarious position or if this is a design change.

It doesn't make senses does it? Suddenly this is an issue when we have never heard of this problem for the last 5+ years the car has been built? It seems a little fishy to me, and I've never heard of Volvo "moving" the location of a replacement part.

 

[likeXC90]

It doesn't make senses does it? Suddenly this is an issue when we have never heard of this problem for the last 5+ years the car has been built? It seems a little fishy to me, and I've never heard of Volvo "moving" the location of a replacement part.

Agreed, I haven't read of this issue here in Swedespeed yet - I'm here reading a lot and still miss things. What changed? The $1M question . . .

(Might be as "simple" as the seal waterproofing the electronic module changed, or a new electronic module supplier, or etc, etc, . . . oh boy)

 

[Gab]

Would you happen to know the model years of these other XC90s? I'm curious if this module has always been in this precarious position or if this is a design change.

I don't know the model years; one of them was a V90, so not a XC90-specific problem. This picture is from one of the other cars I saw in the shop -- the sound dampening foam was completely soaked:

What they told me is that vehicles using Google Automative instead of Sensus no longer have this module. The module is definitely not waterproof/sealed, it's a simple plastic casing. The top part of the connector (on the right) is protected from water droplets that would come from above, but it's not meant to soak in water.

As for relocating the module --- I asked if this is something they decided to do on their own or if there's a technical bulletin advising them to install it in a different location, and they wouldn't confirm.

 

[MalSled]

Would you happen to know the model years of these other XC90s? I'm curious if this module has always been in this precarious position or if this is a design change.

Here is another thread where that same module was replaced in an XC60. According to comments from Tech later in the thread it is the only module in the "flood zone" and it is supposed to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle.

2018 XC 60 T6 - Sunroof Water Leak and Reduced Engine...

If properly repaired, this would not change the reliability of the vehicle in general.

www.swedespeed.com

 

[Gab]

Here is another thread where that same module was replaced in an XC60. According to comments from Tech later in the thread it is the only module in the "flood zone" and it is supposed to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle.

2018 XC 60 T6 - Sunroof Water Leak and Reduced Engine...

If properly repaired, this would not change the reliability of the vehicle in general.

www.swedespeed.com

Thanks for sharing. Something to note from that thread: "Connectors and module have rusted - which means you have had a problem with water in the interior for a long time. Corrosion cannot occur quickly" -- connectors and module were corroded on my vehicle -- considering we just had the first major snowfall in Montreal last month (and that my carpets are always dry outisde winter) I would think water ingress started last winter when the car was put in service.

My connector:

 

[Chris451]

Be advised that the XC90 has "connectors" under the extensive foam bonded carpets. These connectors need to be replaced / serviced or just soldered and spliced if they sit in water for any length of time,... just saying. BTW this is an easy repair.

 

[albertj]

Thanks for sharing. Something to note from that thread: "Connectors and module have rusted - which means you have had a problem with water in the interior for a long time. Corrosion cannot occur quickly" -- connectors and module were corroded on my vehicle -- considering we just had the first major snowfall in Montreal last month (and that my carpets are always dry outisde winter) I would think water ingress started last winter when the car was put in service.

My connector:
View attachment 180899

Corrosion aggravated by deicing chemicals (salt etc) can happen Very, Very quickly. I am talking a day to some small number of weeks. See this report for a chart showing speed of copper corrosion in seawater: Marine: Guidelines For the Use of Copper Alloys In Seawater And for those of you looking to forestall this problem, the following will provide insights from marine electrical work: Fighting Off Marine Electrical System Corrosion - Practical Sailor

IMHO (I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV) they (Volvo) will end up covering those repairs under provincial and/or territorial law, in Canada, for 'fitness for purpose.' AFAIK Quebec law has no implied warranty of merchantability, however, it does have law concerning that the goods you purchase or lease must be usable for normal use for a reasonable length of time (fitness for purpose). It would be after that 'reasonable length of time' that repair such as this would be out-of-pocket for the car owner/lessor. At some point, in any event, they won't be so compelled to do so.

The good news here is that the dealer tech(s) actually knew what's wrong and can apply a once-and-done fix. And if you're out of warranty already you might buy some time by using some of the marine environment know-how to work with the connectors that are there.

I guess we'll see what happens next.

Albertj

 

[Gab]

IMHO (I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV) they (Volvo) will end up covering those repairs under provincial and/or territorial law, in Canada, for 'fitness for purpose.' AFAIK Quebec law has no implied warranty of merchantability, however, it does have law concerning that the goods you purchase or lease must be usable for normal use for a reasonable length of time (fitness for purpose). It would be after that 'reasonable length of time' that repair such as this would be out-of-pocket for the car owner/lessor. At some point, in any event, they won't be so compelled to do so.

The good news here is that the dealer tech(s) actually knew what's wrong and can apply a once-and-done fix. And if you're out of warranty already you might buy some time by using some of the marine environment know-how to work with the connectors that are there.

I guess we'll see what happens next.

Albertj

100% correct. I cited article 1716 of the Quebec Civil Code in my letter to them (as well as reminded them that my car is still covered by the base warranty since it is 11 months old and has less than 10K miles).

"The seller is bound to deliver the property and to warrant the ownership and quality of the property.
These warranties exist by operation of law, whether or not they are stipulated in the contract of sale."

I am hoping they will respond positively to my letter and that I won't have to resort to using CAMVAP (arbitration) or take them to small claims court. I know people win cases against manufacturers even when it's outside of the warranty period when the life expectancy of a product is unreasonable. That should be a no-brainer here.

It's my first Volvo, I love the car, but i'm not pleased how they are handling my first issue...

Thanks everyone who commented for your advice, this is a great community!

 

[VolvoFaRmeR]

I don't know the model years; one of them was a V90, so not a XC90-specific problem. This picture is from one of the other cars I saw in the shop -- the sound dampening foam was completely soaked:
View attachment 180898

What they told me is that vehicles using Google Automative instead of Sensus no longer have this module. The module is definitely not waterproof/sealed, it's a simple plastic casing. The top part of the connector (on the right) is protected from water droplets that would come from above, but it's not meant to soak in water.

View attachment 180897

As for relocating the module --- I asked if this is something they decided to do on their own or if there's a technical bulletin advising them to install it in a different location, and they wouldn't confirm.

I’m sorry, but if there is enough water to soak up the foam backing, there is no way under the sun that that came from snow on someone’s boots. The corrosion on the connector is not just from something being a little damp, but from completely being underwater. There is no way that snowy boots have brought in that much water to the car. I asked a couple of my Volvo technician friends what they thought about the story, and they laughed at the suggestion that snowy boots caused that much water to get in the car. Without a shadow of a doubt there Hass to be water intrusion from another source like the sunroof or an antenna module

 

[Gab]

Update: Volvo Canada responded to my written complaint and has accepted to refund the repair costs, no questions asked…