how hard is it??
 

hey guys gotta question? is it hard to find someone to fix a volvo, I was told not to buy my car because there is no one to fix them and that i would only be able to take it to a dealer. is this true?

What year and model do you have? I have a 2001 S60 and I rarely bring it to the dealer (maybe 3 times in 6+ years). I brought it to the dealer last to get some much needed software updates and to diagnose a cracked fuel pump. The work can be done by most anyone with a proper manual. Spark plugs, oil filters, suspensions, exhaust, brakes... same as most other cars. Might not be able to stop into your local AutoZone and be able to get everything you need but there are plenty of specialists online that can help. Many places can service Volvos but finding one that specializes in them is ideal.

I think there are people who will tell you things based out of fear, and that fear is based on lack of knowledge.

Because this is an off topic portion I would like to ask this area has a topic regarding on air conditioning repair Northridge, I hope so coz this topic is a great help for many. That's it

That is a myth.

>I think there are people who will tell you things based out of fear, and that fear is based on lack of knowledge.

↑This statement accurately indicates the truth.

Many Volvos are built straightforward and some tasks are within capability of home mechanics.

The only time you would have to visit a dealer, possibly, is to have OBD-II trouble codes retrieved from the on-board computer (ECU). Some models allow you to retrieve codes with a scanner available to public, but newer models may have protocol programmed into the ECU so that only the dealer's diagnostic equipment can access trouble codes/reset idiot light. Volvo dealer techs on our forum could tell you more accurate info on this issue.

Or, if your Volvo has recalls then you visit the dealer to have them taken care of at no charge.

On the other hand, I wouldn't take a Volvo to a generic town garage. I would find a shop specialising in European makes and employs certificated ASE Master Technicians. Also note that Volvos require some special tools to work on certain parts, but people either fabricate their own tools or use alternative. On 850s, they use quite a few Torx hardware.

I hope this is of some help.

JPN

software
 

Hey 01fast.........Ive owned my 2000 v40 since it was new...just turned 88k yesterday so its low-mileage garaged dry climate car...Even though the car has always had regular maintenance by independant volvo shop I was interested in your comment about the software upgrades...what are these upgrades typically for? Im somewhat aware of car lore and have never heard of someone going to a dealer for software upgrades...I tend to avoid the dealerships.....TKS

New software for the transmission is the real update. It's mainly for owners unhappy with the way the car shifts; maybe the transmission shifts harsh or flares a bit. Newer software changes different aspects of the transmission. Volvo dealers used to charge quite a bit to download software to your car as a way to make extra money, but now will do it for no charge as long as you have your car in for any other service, even an oil change. My last visit I had an oil change, software update, and had the tech confirm a cracked fuel pump which I replaced myself.

Other software updates might be for someone looking to add factory "options" to their vehicle.

re 01fast
 

thanks for the info....i took my car to the local (pretty damn expensive) dealer here in pasadena until the car was out of warranty then switched to a well thought of independant volvo shop also local....no one has ever mentioned any software update.....can/do these updates impact mileage? im at about 25mph average. tranny has always been very smooth with zero problems...usually leave it in the sport-mode. tks again

I had to request software when I took my car in. I knew updates existed but the car never received any prior to my last visit. I don't know about your model (you may want to ask the question in the V40 sub-forum) if new software exists, but it's really just meant to correct problems. If no problems exist you won't notice any difference.

About mileage, I don't think updates have any impact. Sport mode, personal driving style, type of driving (city vs hwy), and condition of your car do have an impact. If you want clarification on that, someone did a really nice write-up about fuel mileage a while ago. But, with 25mpg in a wagon in sport mode, sounds about average? No worries.

software
 

tks again for the info.........i will leave well-enough alone.