I've noticed from reading a lot of entries on this forum that Volvo is REAL clever in making sure just about everything on the car has a sensor and a NEED to take it to ONLY to a Volvo Dealer..to get it fixed.

I mean you can't upgrade your Radio without a Software Upgrade and ONLY from a dealer that has the software to do it..or add OEM Foglights without the same from ONLY a Volvo Dealer...can't work on the transmission without a software upgrade....

I really like the Volvo S80 that I have and have not had one problem with it in the last year and a half I have owned..but I'm really afraid if I do need work done on it that can only be done at a Volvo Dealer..I'm not going to be a very happy camper. Espacially since I'm not within 200 hundred miles of a Volvo Dealership

WOW...what a thought !!!

 

You don't necessarily will need a stealership. There are some independent shop out there that have access to just about everything a dealer has with the exception of warranty claims. Some even have software updates.... Just look thru your area and see if you find a shop like that.

 

There are 2 shops in this area..but neither one of them can do a software update..in fact they can't even clear a SRS code..they don't have the tool to do even that...I bought my own diagnostics tool...so I can do it my self.

 

Frankly, dealers are the ONLY ones that should be doing any airbag/ safety work IMO.

 

Not necessarily......... There are some shops out there where the TECHs worked at a dealer for a good bit of time, but decided they were going to open their own place! They have access to the Knowledge and also the tools. The best thing for anyone when trying to find a shop is to ask questions and become educated on the mechanics background and history!

 

Well yeah, with a new car where everything is computerized what do you expect? I'm sure there are ways to get around some of that stuff, you just gotta be clever. That's why I love the older cars, such as the 850, there's very few things that the car has to be specifically taken to a dealer to do.

 

If it's just clearing the SRS because you forgot to dis-connect the battery when you worked on the HVAC...whats wrong with that..espacially after you cleared it ..it does'nt come back...

I M O...I think your making a mountain out of a Mole hill in this situation....

 

As far as I'm concerned, anything that deals with my safety will go to the dealer or a shop that uses Volvo techs.

I had to have an airbag replaced when I first bought the car. It cost me an arm and a leg, but I know it was done right.

 

What constitutes "anything that deals with your safety"? Like just airbag stuff? The only thing I don't get is why he was messing with airbags? The only time I have ever seen anyone mess with the airbag is when swapping steering wheels or dash covers. That I wouldn't take to the dealer for, I would just do it.

 

I guess your trying to say I don't know anything about working on cars too then...If your know what your doing you won't have any problems..and if your follow the Vehicle's maintenance manual..you'll do just as good as any mechanic..I know I've been working on my cars for more then 30 yrs..I've owned Mercedes...Lexus...Audi..just to name a few and worked on all of them myself..without too much trouble..thank you...

If you don't want to learn how to do it yourself..and pay these jacklegs all that money..and thinking they did it right just because they wear a Volvo Badge on their shirt..I feel sorry for you...!!! You probably don't even change your own Oil...thinking you might blow the SRS bag in your face...!!!!

 

WOAH! No one said anything about you not knowing what your doing. It was just random that someone was complaining that they had to take their car to the dealer in order to work on it. It's the first time I've ever read about someone doing that and I've read several build threads on 99+ Volvos, none of them involving taking their car to the dealer to have them mess with the computer.

And don't get all high and mighty, I may only have a couple years under my belt with working on my car, but I've already done a lot of things that some people wouldn't even think about doing and take it to a shop to do. If you haven't noticed I'm kind of building a car, by myself. My dad has just as many years working on cars as you do, countless engine rebuilds, and not only cars but just about every piece of field machinery you can think of.

And just for the record, I do change my own oil.

 

Ok, I think everyone is making a bigger deal of this thread than necessary! Air Force Rascal, if you can safely clear your SRS light/code then cool..... You just saved a ton of money on diagnostics and labor! Share that with folks if you think it will help a newbie or member out! At the end of the day, that's why we are here. Working on your own car, comes with risks, if someone blows the airbag, then it falls on your self.....gilbert33, if you and your dad can knock out a ton of work on your car and you do your oil changes SWEET! Keep at it! That means you know your car and can knock out your wagon soon! Make sure you both share the work you do with new people, but lets not start taking jabs at each other over some thing so small. Go take that energy and lets all help someone whom needs the help instead of going back and forth!

 

Your right, I was just all flustered. Now I'm a sad panda.

 

I apologize to all concerned..I got carried away...sometimes...you don't get the proper tone in these msg's and take them the wrong way..since your not talking to each other in person.

I've gotten e-mails before that I thought the person was really pissed off to find out later that they weren't at all..it was just the way I took it at the time.

I hope you all will except my apology...Good Luck and Happy Motoring !!!

 

Interesting discussion...on a related note (hope this isn't too much of a thread hijack), my poor independent mechanic had to figure out on his own how to change the oil filter on my 2009 S40 because the procedures/part changed from the 2008 model and the 2009 manuals were not available to him yet.

I hope to be able to use my independent mechanic for non-warranty issues, but I do realize that there will be limits on what he'll be able to do. FWIW, his situation with access to Volvo tech data is better than he has with BMW...

 

That is not at all what I was saying. I applaud at-home mechanics, good for you! The thing is though, there is always that chance that an airbag may not do its job in the event of a crash. In my opinion, that chance can be significantly reduced by employing the skill of the stealerships. That is MY prerogative, it doesn't have to be everyone's.

And, for the record, I do change my own oil. I have a friend (18 years old) who is one step away from being hired at Jiffy Lube. The same kid dropped a nut in his intake manifold and blew up TWO new engines in his Blazer. THAT is why I will never bring my car there.

 

I hope he does a better job at Jiffy Lube then what I have heard about Jiffy Lube...they have had many lawsuits against them for shoddy work...you may want to research it..don't take my word for it...there are several guys in the Mercedes club that has echoed this...

 

To be honest, I just drop off my car for an Oil change. 20 Minutes and I am back on the road and it costs me the same as If I buy the oil and it's at a Volvo independent...... I don't want to deal with it. (I know Techs going to make fun) but I will do some of the work on my car.

 

I think the only way I could let someone else work on my car is if I completely trusted them and their ability, or I sat their and watched the whole time.

 

I don't mind going to this shop, considering the guy is also the Admin of this site .