Whenever you service your Volvo, make sure you're willing to pay a bit of extra cost for OEM parts. OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer; companies that supplied parts for Volvo's assembly plant.

If you haven't yet had the recalls done, you need to do that.

I'll attach a quote from Volvo's factory manual. It's from 850's manual, but some items apply to C70 as well.


JPN

All right, I finally gave in.
 

I finally decided to take my car to the shop (not the same one I had taken it to). But they did their thing and came back saying the Mass Air Flow and one of the O2 Sensor's needed replaced. I explained that I had replaced the Mass Air flow sensor twice already and how could it be bad again. He told me that his experience has taught him that aftermarket MAF sensors are not made correctly and more then likely were not calibrated correctly when I bought it. And that he would replace it with Volvo parts. So I approved the transaction and two days and $900 later, my car seems as good as new. At least as good as a 2001 could be. I'm glad its finally fixed. Even though it did cost a bunch. Now hopefully I can move on to the other issues I would like to fix.

Thanks again for all the helpful advise from everyone. I really really really appreciate it. :)

What brand of MAF were you using that was going bad on you? $900 for MAF and front O2 sensor + install?

Glad the major issue is gone.

From next time, see if a Volvo dealer/independent shop that specialises in Swedish/Euro makes would accept parts from customers. Even if they charge more labour/hour, it would be a lot less expensive.

FCP Groton, our official sponsor, is a great vendor that sells Volvo parts. They are called OEM parts and the only difference between the parts sold at the dealer and FCP Groton is the "Volvo" stamping. When you need to buy parts for your Volvo, try getting them from FCP Groton and then visit the shop as long as they are willing to accept parts from customers.

http://www.fcpgroton.com/

When I lived in Chicago from 2006-2007, I had Volvo 850 Turbo and FCP Groton had provided a great service and their shipping was amazingly fast for the most part.

I would also recommend that you do your homework that doesn't take much time:

http://www.amazon.com/Every-Womans-Q...5180743&sr=8-1

There was a better book, but I cannot remember the title at the moment.

Whenever you need assistance, fire away with questions.


JPN

Glad all is good now.

Yep, $900 for the MAF, O2 Sensor, and install. Oh and the hour diagnostic charge. I thought it was a little odd myself, since I had replaced the MAF before. I could of done that myself. Its right on top. Since I have never had a Volvo, and don't know anyone who has (other then all the great owners on this forum) I kinda had nothing to go by but to trust the shop. Wichita only has one Volvo dealership. Which was the one I took my car to a few months ago and they couldn't figure anything out on it, so I didn't want to go back there. There actually isn't many shops here that will work on Volvo's. The other two MAF's I used were a Bosch, and AC Delco. So after pricing the volvo parts through the dealership I decided if I bought the parts and had my hubby or brother put them on it would cost about the same amount as if I were to pay the shop. I guess he got a discount on the parts. So I just gave in, thinking at least I would have someone to go back to in case it didn't work. I love my car, (even though its getting cold and I can't put the top down) and hope other then scheduled maintenance I won't have to do anything else to it. Oh, other then the SRS problem, and my brakes. But I don't see either of those being to much of a hassle.

I have taken a look at the FCP Groton site, I like their brake kits. Are they recommended? I would like to get everything I need in one place.

Get the Brembo rotors and OEM pads.

You're learning a lot about Volvo now, and the maintenance costs would come down accordingly:) In about a year, you would know about your C70 as much as average town mechanics do.

Bosch (German) is the largest OEM supplier in Euro makes and they make quite a few components for Volvo as well. I would stay away from AC Delco, as it is OEM supplier for GM (use them if they ARE OEM supplier for Volvo).

Anytime you need help, come back & fire away with questions. The world is stressful enough, and we want our forum to be helpful, pleasant and stress-free.


JPN