This is my first post, so go easy on me! Sorry if this may be a bit long, but I just want to get everything out there.

Anyways, I bought a 2003 Volvo S60 2.4T last year around October and I've been using this thing as my daily driver ever since. I bought this car because I love things that are sleepers and on top of this, one of my friends dad is an indi Volvo mech.

So, here's (one of many) the problem. The first owners (bought it from Marin Volvo in San Francisco) loved their Volvo. They did all the servicing, and they left meticulous notes and most of the service records. The second owners (who only owned it for a few years) obviously didn't understand what owning one of these cars is all about. Almost no service records, and I could tell they used the local cheepy quick fix places to do everything.

I, on the other hand, hate letting anyone else touch my car and I try to do all of the "normal" servicing myself. I think (key word: think) I'm pretty handy and I'm usually a quick learner, so I'm VERY glad I've found websites like this one to find repair notes....and so this brings me to another problem. The fuel pump was repaired under recall and I went ahead and allowed Turner Volvo (Sacramento - not the friendliest place) to do their multi-point inspection. After finding thousands of dollars in repairs, I quickly became angered at their obvious bully style marketing and I'll never go back. So I've changed a few thousand dollars worth of things myself already including the brakes, engine mounts, various suspension components, and I'm on my last few (hopefully) repairs.

Whats left on the list is:

#1) "Power steering pump + vacuum hose replace" - which I will probably not fix. The tech wrote a note saying 'P/S hose-pump leak?', but I really don't know what to do. There is a small stain (VERY small) from a P/S fluid leak near the reservoir but not only has this stain not changed, every inspection under the hood I've done shows no new signs of leakage nor has the fluid in the tank decreased.

^Any ideas on what I should do?

#2) "Radiator small leak and missing rad gravel guard" - OK...so my radiator leaks about 1 tablespoon of rad fluid about every 6 weeks from the right end cap...and it's done it since day 1. I know this will probably get worse, but can I wait on this? The dealer wants 1024$ (which I will never pay) but is this something I could replace on my own?...or should I take this to my indi? btw, I've already sourced the gravel guard at my local Swedish dismantler. I'll try to get it soon.

#3) He also wrote "minor play in sunroof"...and by minor, I mean that it basically doesn't move at all. And they want 1500$ to put a new sunroof in? Do they think I'm crazy?...I only use the freaking thing like once every other month! Do you guys have any tips on how to grease/maintain the sunroof?

#4) Also, they mentioned a tune up. I'll probably bite the bullet and get the Volvo plugs, but I see some mixed reactions about them on here. I see that some people love their after market plugs and have NO problem with their Bosch platinums, but then I also see people who are in a world of hurt from not using OE parts. Let's say for some reason I couldn't buy the Volvo plugs, whats the next best alternative? I'm guessing Bosch makes the Volvo plugs?

Phew, I'm glad I got all that outta the way. Hopefully some of you guys will be able to help! I can tell that there are some pretty amazing folks on here.

Regards,

Alex G.

(one thing - the guy who sold me the car was in the middle of a divorce, so I got a super deal on it )

 

Sounds like most of your repairs are just normal wear and tear parts so I wouldn't worry about that. Also, from what I understand, NGK actually is OEM for Volvo. A few years back I was at Napa and the guy told me they had switched due to issues with Bosch. Now I never confirmed the story but I have used NGK for the 5 years I have owned my S40 and have never had any problems.

 

I can't advise on the first two issues. But regarding the plugs, I am one of those who is using Denso Iridium IK22 plugs (2007 S60 2.5T) and have no problems whatsoever. The IK22 plugs should be fine for the turbo models (parts stores list IK20 as the compatible Denso plug for my car). NGK should be good. Bosch plugs are sold by IPD in Portland, so they should work well too (I can't imagine IPD selling plugs which don't work well in the S60).

 

If you don't want your car serviced by the dealer, why not find a Volvo specialist to help you, they should charge you cheaper rates while having the peace of mind from a Volvo specialist.

1. Just keep an eye out on the power steering system and see what happens.

2. The radiator is actually a common part to leak because it is made of plastic. It may be worthwhile doing yourself or taking to a specialist. You can get the gravel guard easy.

3. If you don't use your sunroof, then don't worry about it.

4. I would go OEM Volvo because I have heard the horror stories about using other plugs. Also check the ignition coils if they're good or if they need to be replaced.

 

I also own a 03 but its a 2.5t AWD but the issues that you have i have all the same plus some other minor ones.
1. The clamp at the bottom of the PS reservoir hose leaks this happens to all of them just replace the clamp and it goes away.
2.I have the same "drip" problem this will end up with a failed radiator but it will take some time.You can replace yourself. Here is a step buy step with Pics to help. Fixing a Leaking Radiator. I would look at Volvo Parts, BMW Parts, European Car Parts | FCPGroton.com for replacement. OME is around $600.
3. I have the same play very small amount and no leaks Not a problem.
4. Tune up look at Volvo Parts, BMW Parts, European Car Parts | FCPGroton.com and if i were you buy the tune up kit. OME plugs 100% always on these cars .Tune up is very easy as with most maintenance issues on this car Simple tool set and some time and most things can be fixed in a few hours.

 

Alright, everything sounds fine then. I'll keep my out on those components then. If they get any worse I guess I'll take them in to get fixed up.

And...I plan on changing the spark plugs this upcoming weekend.

I have run in to one problem though. How the heck do I remove the ugly turbo intercooler hose out of the way?...you know, the big black hose that runs over the top of the engine? Do I have the remove the hose clamps on both ends? Or can I just remove the bolts and clamps on one end and jimmy the hose out of the way just to be able to get to the #4 coil?

This currently is the only thing that is holding me back from doing a tune up right now.


Thanks for the support!