Does my 940 have multilink suspension?

Only the 1991-1992 940 SE model has multilink suspension

Do I have Bosch or Regina Ignition?

Look at the Ignition Coils. Bosch ignition coils are Round. Regina ignition coils are Square.

When I turn on the A/C Why do I hear a roaring noise?

A roaring noise that can be heard when turning on the A/C can generally be attributed to a faulty A/C Compressor but can also come from a faulty A/C idler pulley. Compressor failure should be done by a professional technician only. Idler pulley failures can be identified by removing the belt and turning the idler by hand to see if the bearing has failed! 

When Turning left or right I notice a pop, pop noise, Why?

Generally, A CONSISTENT popping noise that can be heard when turning hard left or hard  right can be identified as an outer Constant Velocity Joint failure. Be sure that when trying to diagnose this that the noise is consistent or a continuous pop! This means that the shell or housing that supports the Balls in the CV joint has broken or has excessive wear!  

Why do I feel a vibration in the front end on hard acceleration?

Vibration on hard acceleration can often be attributed on excessive wear to the inner CV or driver in front wheel drive vehicles. On rear wheel drive cars the problem the occurs most often is an out of balance drive shaft.

Front end vibrations may also be attributed to lack of tire rotation as well. One can identify cupped or poorly rotated tires by rubbing your hand down the outside edge of the tire and noting whether or not the outer edge of the tire is smooth! 

Why do I Hear a scrubbing noise from the front when I apply my brakes?

One of two reasons. Reason 1 - The pads that were used are an inferior grade pad. Usually, an inferior grade pad will make its presence known by noting a very high pitch squeal when applying the brakes. Reason 2 - The brake pads that were used are hard use pads which contain a type of material which will cause this noise to occur. It does not mean that there is a serious problem. It simply means that it is the type of materials contained within the brake pad. Only cure - replace the pads! Hard use pads will generally not cause damage to the rotors but the noise can be somewhat consistent! 

Why do I hear a roaring noise during the engine belt rotation?

Generally, A roaring noise during belt rotation (without the A/C on) will often be caused by an idler pulley bearing going bad. There are occasions where Alternator bearings will also create a roaring noise during belt rotation. In-order to diagnose either of  these problems simply remove the belt and rotate each of the pulleys by hand. The pulley failure will make itself apparent by noting that the noise begins when rotating the faulty pulley.

BELT REMOVAL SHOULD BE BY TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY!  PHYSICAL INJURY CAN OCCUR!

When I turn the Cabin fan on I smell a funny odor?

When you turn the Cabin fan on and you smell a funny odor, the most likely cause of this odor is a leaking heater core. Heater core failures are quite common failures. When the heater core fails you will often smell a sweet scent especially when the interior fan is turned on. It is most noticeable then due to the fact that the air is being blown over the leaking area of the heater core.  Another very common interior odor is mildew. This smell is generally caused by the AC evaporator and heater cores being located too close together causing condensation leading to leakage under the carpet. 

Why do I hear a loud clanking noise during belt rotation?

A loud clanking noise from the engine belt area can often be attributed to a faulty crank shaft pulley (harmonic Balancer). Crankshaft pulley's are often  designed in 2 parts & pressed together from the factory. The problems often come from the material that holds the two part pulley together. These materials will deteriorate over time causing the pulley to separate leading to one of the following symptoms: A loud clanking noise as previously described or a loud squeak upon initial start up. You can also identify this problem when you find that your engine continually throws the drive belts off the pulley for no apparent reason. 

Why does my car seem to run hotter than it did when it was new?

If you have noticed that your car seems to run hotter, there are several things that could be happening. One of the most common problems is with age the thermostat begins to weaken making  it open slower or actually sticking closed causing overheating. Thermostat Replacement is the repair. Another problem is with the temperature switch that turns on the radiator fan can build resistance causing overheating (unless your car has a belt driven fan). When cars are equipped with electric cooling fans they generally use temperature switches in the radiator to determine when to turn on the fan. With age, these switches begin to build excessive resistance causing the cooling fan to come on later. Replacing both the thermostat and fan switch (where applicable) is recommended. Their cost is rather small compared to major overheating damage that can result.

Another cause can be an air bubble that is trapped in the cooling system that keeps the water from circulating properly.
This can happen if you drain and refill the system or if your fluid level is very low when you add more fluid to the system.
Many cars have an air bleeder valve usually located on the thermostat housing and some have a 2nd valve located on the throttle body. To correct this problem, warm up the car to operating temperature and then carefully open the bleeder valve(s) until there is a steady stream of fluid.

Why does my car have a rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust?

A harsh smell coming from the exhaust can usually be attributed to the use of fuel that contains methanol (Although in most places it is not supposed to be sold). When using this fuel, a sulfur smell can be emitted from the exhaust which can range from a mild odor to a rotten egg smell. To avoid this smell try changing the place where you purchase fuel! Catalytic Converter failures can also cause this same smell!

Why does my car start intermittently when the engine is hot?

Intermittent no starts can often be attributed to ignition switch  failures (the electrical portion). More often than not, mechanics change the starter because the symptoms lead them to the starter as being the source of the problem. In reality what generally occurs is that the voltage going to the starter is less than adequate to COMPLETELY turn over the engine. This is not to say that Starter assemblies do not fail because they do, but an occasional ignition switch problem can be a difficult problem to diagnose. In most cases when the starter fails it will be the starter solenoid failing noted by a click, click when attempting to start. Make sure that you check to see if you have 12 volts at the solenoid prior to replacing the starter. If you do not have 12 volts at the solenoid then look to the ignition switch as the problem area!

Why does my car seem to Wander in the steering?

A Wandering feeling in the steering can often be attributed to faulty tie rod ends.  Tie rod ends are the components that Tie the wheels to the steering racks. When they have excessive wear they tend to cause the tight steering feel to disappear.  When replacing Tie rod ends be careful to count the amount of turns that it takes to remove the ends and place the new ones on using the same amount of turns. This will insure that the tow-in remains the same.

Why does my car have a loose feeling or rattle when going over bumps?

A loose feeling or rattle when going over bumps can often be attributed to faulty lower ball joints! In-order to test the ball joints you must UNLOAD the wheel by jacking up the car. Then place a large pry bar or screwdriver between the steering knuckle and the ball joint and pry up and release. There should be no movement in the joint itself!  By doing this you take the pressure off of the ball joints which will allow you to test them for excessive play or movement!

Why do I see pink or green fluid on the ground ?

Seeing Pink or Green fluid on the ground area is a generally an indication of a faulty water pump. In most cases, the water pumps are designed with a weep hole in the castings of the pumps themselves. Seepage is quite common on most cases but noting that antifreeze is leaking on the ground would not be classified as seepage. Fluid on the ground means that the pump has failed and is in need of replacement! 

How do I adjust the headlight Beam?

 Almost every vehicle has headlight adjusters on top and bottom of the back of each light assembly. Most dealerships and independent repair shops use headlight aimers to adjust the headlights. It can be done without aimers by adjusting the beam of light to be directly in front of the assembly and about 24 inches off the ground. You can measure this by aiming the lights at a garage wall and making the adjustments. You will find that one of the adjusters will adjust the light beam vertical and the other adjuster will adjust the light beam horizontally.

NOTE: Some headlights have levels located in the lights assemblies. These levels should be adjusted at 0 unless otherwise specified by the owners manual.

Can I replace just the lens of my headlight instead of the whole assembly?

Replacement of the headlight lense instead of the whole assembly is possible but it basically depends on whether or not the glass part of the headlight assembly is offered separately for your vehicle. In some cases the insert (which is the glass  & the housing it is attached to) can be replaced. Insert replacement is easy but one needs to be very careful not to break the ears of the insert off when trying to push the insert into the headlight frame. Lense (or just the glass) replacement is quite easy. You simply remove the clips that hold the lense to the lense housing and replace the glass portion of the light. 

How Can I tell if my front-End is out of alignment?

There are several ways to tell if your vehicles front-end is out of alignment. One, is that the steering wheel may appear to be off center (an indication of something bent or tie rod ends off center). Second, your car may pull to the left or right when on flat ground (an indication that the alignment is off). Third, Front tire wear is an indication that problems exist in the front-End. This could mean that the caster or camber is off and in need of adjustment. 

 Why does my car pull to the left or right when applying the brakes!

In most cases when you apply the brakes and the car pulls to the left or right this can be attributed to a sticking brake caliper. Depending on the application some calipers can be rebuild and in other cases the faulty caliper must be replaced. If your vehicle is equipped with ABS brakes you may find that the valve body in the ABS system is malfunctioning.

NOTE: ABS brakes are under VERY HIGH PRESSURE and should only be worked on by those who are properly trained!

What are the most common problems with Exhaust & how do I diagnose problems?

The most common Exhaust failures are mufflers. You can often easily diagnose issues with the exhaust system by placing a rag or towel over the tailpipe hole (Just for a few seconds). BE CAREFUL AS THE EXHAUST MAY BE HOT!!!!! When you cover the tailpipe hole up for a few seconds pressure builds in the exhaust system and a whistling noise will begin to occur wherever your exhaust leak is. 

How can I diagnose a faulty Catalytic Converter?

In Most cases faulty Converters can be identified by noting that your car will not accelerate or seems to have severely diminished power. Many times converters that are clogged up will glow red when the vehicle is running. The reason for the Glowing is because of the amount of heat and unburned fuel that collects in front of the clogged up converter. Converter replacement is the only option. A quick way to be sure that the converter is the problem when it is suspect is to disconnect the exhaust system at the header and allow the exhaust to flow without going through the converter. If the converter is the problem the cars power should be restored with the header pipe disconnected. 

Why won't my Battery stay charged? How do I diagnose the problem?

In most cases the problem is with the alternator. Check the fluid level in the battery. If it is low, add water to bring it to the correct level. Even if it is a no-maintenance battery you can usually get the vent covers off without damaging them. Charge up the battery to a full charge. With the car running, use a voltmeter to check the voltage across the positive and negative post of the battery. It should read approximately 14 volts. If not, the alternator may be faulty. Turn off the ignition and check the voltage of the battery. It should be above 12 volts. Do not start the car for several hours, preferably overnight, then check the voltage again. If it is within 1/2 volt of the first reading, the battery is probably good. 

Why has my Hydraulic Clutch Lost pressure?

Make sure the hydraulic fluid is at the normal level. If you have had to add fluid recently, you most likely have a leak. Check that the bleeding screw is not loose. If there are no leaks the problem is either the clutch slave cylinder or the master cylinder is bad.

Why do I smell Petrol Fumes From my vehicle?

Often there is a small rubber vent hose from the tank to the filler neck that will split or deteriorate and cause petrol fumes to escape. This is particularly noticeable when you exit the vehicle on the side that has the filler neck.

Why is my vehicle Harder to Start After the motor warms up?

This can be caused by vapor lock or a sticking fuel pump check valve. A warmed up motor produces a great deal of external heat. Fuel must be kept cool to flow properly through the fuel lines and into the combustion chamber. If the fuel system is exposed to the engine heat, the fuel will vaporize and interrupt the flow of fuel to the motor. This is called vapor lock. A fuel pump has a check valve to prevent the fuel from flowing back toward the fuel tank and to keep some pressure to allow the motor to start easily without having to re-pump the fuel all the way to the motor. This check valve can wear over time causing it to stick and making it harder to start the vehicle. 

Why does my Speedometer Start and Stop intermittently

If your speedometer stops working and then starts again, you most likely have an electronic problem such as a bad
transistor in the speedometer receiving unit. This can be further confirmed if the odometer also has the same problem.

Why do my Disc Brakes Make a Sharp clicking noise after I change direction?

This can be caused because the pads are a little loose on their mounts, which itself is not a  problem. When you change direction, they will slide up or down until they hit the caliper bracket. They could be dragging slightly on the rotors if there is any buildup on the caliper pistons or if the sliders are a little rusty.

Why is my Anti-lock Brake Light sometimes on?

First, check the brake fluid. Fill it to the proper level. If the fluid level is ok, this could be a problem with a sticking relay contact and in hot weather, the higher humidity would make it worse. This may also be caused by a problem in the ABS Control Unit.

Why do I hear a Hissing Sound When the A/C is on?

There are Vacuum hoses that operate the ductwork in the dash. Check each outlet vent in every setting, including the windshield defroster. If one or more has no air flow, the vacuum hoses (or 1 hose) could be disconnected. Find it and re-attach it to the vent.

Why does my Manual Transmission Grind When shifting?

If the clutch is working properly, the most likely cause of grinding when shifting is worn or broken synchronizers in the transmission. Rebuilding the transmission is the only repair.

Why is my Steering Vibrating or Shaking?

Vibration or shaking in the steering can be caused by several problems. First check to see that the lug nuts on the front wheels re not loose. Rub your hand around the outside edge of the tire to see that it is smooth and not cupped (cupping is creates a jagged edge around the outside edge of the tire and is often caused by lack of tire rotation). Check that the brake rotors are not warped. Also make sure the tires are balanced. 

Why do I hear a High Pitched Squeal in Low Gear?

This sound can be the result of a worn crank pulley or idler pulley. The noise is covered up in the other gears because of increased engine and road noise.

How do I find where my A/C is leaking?

The A/C system has lubricating oil that will leak out when the freon escapes. A very likely place to look is the ends of the A/C hoses where the hose is joined to the fitting.

Why doesn't my Electronic Speedometer work?

This problem is most likely caused by a speedometer circuit board failure. Sometimes these boards can be repaired at a very good savings over purchase of a new board. Another common failure is the speedometer transducer. This is the component that sends the signal to the speedo.

Why is my Temperature Gauge reading High?

If there is no loss of coolant, the primary cause of a high reading is a faulty thermostat .If you are losing coolant, you need to check all heater hoses, radiator hoses, and the radiator for leaks. Check them while the vehicle is running.

If none of the above is true, check the wiring connectors to the temperature sensor. They may be loose. On some vehicles, the sensor is located in the top radiator hose.

Why does my Clutch feel Spongy?

The reason for the spongy or soft pedal is because of air in the system. You need to bleed it out. But first you need to find the source of the leak. Check the engine compartment and the area where the car is parked for signs of leakage. If there is a lot of leakage, you probably have a bad clutch slave cylinder (providing that you have a hydraulic clutch)

Why do I hear a Pinging noise from my Engine?

The most likely cause is using gas with a lower octane rating than recommended. Check your owner's manual. Another cause is carbon buildup around the valves keeping them from closing properly. A couple of treatments with a fuel additive may help. Follow the directions and make sure you use it on a full tank of gas.

Why are my Rotors Warped?

Some reasons that rotors warp:

1.       When lug nuts are tightened too much or unevenly, they put pressure on the rotor and can cause it to warp

2.       When rotors have been machined, they are more likely to warp because they are thinner.

Notes: Rotors should only be machined if absolutely necessary. New rotors do NOT need to be machined. They only need to be cleaned with a solvent to clean off the protective oily film.

Why am I Losing Coolant?

Several things can cause loss of coolant, A faulty Water pump, Head gasket failure or leaking coolant hoses. 

Why is my Engine Surging?

The most common cause for engine surging is a vacuum leak in one of the hoses.. Check all vacuum hoses including the ones for the emission components.

What to do when I have No Brake or Rear Lights

Often the electrical contacts on the removable bulb holders get dirty or partially corroded, and then don't carry current well. This can cause the Brake Lights or other Rear lights to fail completely or to fail intermittently. Clean the contacts in the bulb holders and also clean the contact areas on all the bulbs involved. Use a small piece of emery cloth, or a piece of steel wool. You can also check the connections where the wiring connects to the lights. Clean away any corrosion and make sure the contacts are tight. Sometimes you can use needle nose pliers to gently tighten them.

How do I reset the service light on my S40/V40

All models for 1999 and on can be reset by; Putting the ignition key into position I (one), push in and hold the odometer reset button (use your left hand), move the ignition key to position II (two), when the service light begins to blink, let go of the odometer reset button. Confirm by turning your Volvo off then on again.

How do I reset the service Light on my S80

Turn ignition switch to position I. Then press and hold the "day counter reset button". Next turn ignition to position II. Continue holding day counter for about 10 seconds. After the service reset flashes, release the day counter button. You should hear 2 beeps to confirm the command was accepted.

How do I reset the service light on my S70/ V70

Press and hold odometer reset button. Then turn ignition switch to Run. When the service reset flashes, release the odometer reset button. Confirm by turning the ignition off, then on again.
 

How do I Diagnose 240/740 Ignition Control Unit Problems

Ignition Control Units do not fail very often.
Check the wiring from the unit all the way back
to the distributor and the coil? On the 240/740 the
wires passes under the front of the engine.
You may find a broken or shorted wire is the cause of your problem.

Does my 240 have Cam or ZF Steering?

You can find the type of steering that was originally installed
from the information on the service plate.
The service plate is located on either the Trunk frame or the Door pillar.
Look for "Steering Gear".
To the right you will see a number.
2, 4, or 5 means a Cam steering was used.
3 means a ZF steering was used