I heard "tuneups" are just a moneymaker for mechanics when basically it's just airfilter and spark plug change. Is this true. Any advice for doing something simple myself? Other then being an expert now at oil changes and tranny drain/fills, I can do basic stuff.

 

It depends. When I service any vehicle, including my own, I look it over as well. Check tires, brakes, emissions, fluids, cables, hoses, etc. By doing this I am increasing my chances of not being stranded and attend to a small issue before it becomes a serious one. I generally spend 1.5 hours per service on my own autos.

I suppose there are some people replace the oil and change spark plugs and call it "job done."

 

How about doing the spark plugs, are they easily accessible and easy to change?

 

Spark plugs are very easy to replace, be sure to use OEM though.

 

OEM? meaning volvo brand?

 

Yes. Some aftermarket brands can cause performance problems.

 

Any info on changing them myself available? I assume IPDUSA would have some at cheaper prices and still be "certified"?

 

You need a spark plug socket since the plugs are 3-4" down in the head. Take the cover off the top of the engine. I think it's a 15 or 20 torx. Each coil has two bolts-10mm socket that hold them on the plug. You just disconnect the coil and remove the plug. Use antiseize on the plug threads and don't over-tighten. It's possible to strip the threads in the aluminum head. If they are hard coming out soak with penetrating oil and back them out slowly. Start new plugs by hand so you don't cross-thread them. It's not hard but, it's possible to cause expensive damage if you get careless. You may want to use a small amount of dielectric grease on the plug boots so they will slide on the plug easier.

 

If you are changing your plugs you should probably put new plug wires on too if they are older than five years old. OEM stands for Oriiginal Equipment Manufacturer. I only use OEM Turbo plugs on my 850's. Not sure about the coils since the 850 only has one coils and opposed to one per cylinder like you have on the S60.

I am in the market for an S60 R that's why I've been reading more stuff on this forum.

 

tune up is easy, but yea they do usually inspect brakes and brake fluid and top up your coolant if needed and give u washer fluid and such. spark plugs u can use aftermarket just make sure its the proper material. for our cars i think they require iridium plugs

 

Take a look at Volvo S60 Service Kit-Buy Volvo Parts at FCP Groton
$390 gives you everything you will need for a 100,000 mile tune up. Also if im not sure what your milage on the car is but look at doing the timing belt.Volvo says 108,000 so if you close or past that mileage you have a Time bomb under the hood.Timing belt failure = no recovery. Another thing you can do your self if you have some mechanical skills.

 

Already had the timing belt done @ 98k, now I'm at 130k.
I was hoping the tuneup would be simpler but now I am a bit disillusioned becasue it looks a bit more complicated needing special tools to get a spark plug job done.

 

Why two fuel injector seal kits and two sets of spark plugs in the kit?

 

Well, you need a socket to remove the spark plugs, don't you?
Keep in mind that for any job you do you'll need basic tools. just remove the cover to gain access, remove the coils and remove the plugs (socket, extension, and ratchet)
That's it...

Don't be disincouraged, this is easier than an oil change

 

Is this the engine cover you refer?
I'll have to search for some images b4 I take action, for me, pictures are worth a thousand instructions.

 

Also don't forget a Power Steering Fluid change, most people don't do it, but it makes a big difference.