I want to remove the ECM (?) for better access to the water pump and I'm not going to buy a tool ($45.00 +) to do it.
Surely there is another way
I'm replacing the timing belt (03 T6). I have the belt off and the water pump out but due to extremely poor engineering and design it's next to impossible to get your hand in there. I want to clean the gasket surface for re-assembly...


I removed the expansion tank, power steering reservoir, and the thermostat housing...(Don't even get me started on the stupid plastic nipple coming through the timing belt cover.)


I discovered that it is easier to remove the thermostat cover first and then the thermostat housing (attached with TORX bolts? asinine).


I replaced the broken plastic nipple with a metal nipple but it will be next to impossible to get the cover by that too...So, I cut the plastic off that protrudes into the timing belt area.


FYI, I've removed and replaced motors and transmissions BY MYSELF but just removing the drive belt on this poorly engineered car was the most difficult thing I've ever done on a vehicle...I mean really? Take the wheel off AND THEN the harmonic balancer through a flap in the inner fender that only gives limited access at best.


I couldn't be more disappointed.


If anyone is thinking of purchasing an XC90, run away like scalded dogs

 

You don't have the correct tools to do the job, therefore it is a terrible design and terrible engineering? Cry me a river. If you own a Volvo, have a set of Torx sockets. They aren't expensive.

As for the ECM, either buy the tool or do it without removal. It's quite possible.

And you have an 03 XC90. You will certainly be more disappointed if you get this upset over some torx bolts.

 

Thanks for a most enlightening reply.

With the exception of the over priced bent sheet metal for removing the ECM I have all of the tools including TORX "sockets" as well as TORX drivers.

For the sake of other members maybe you'd be more helpful by providing useful solutions rather than Volvo apologies for incompetence...How about that tool for removing/replacing the timing cover with out breaking that cheesey plastic nipple. The amount of down time and trouble to repair that piece of crap is monumental.

I expected a Volvo apologist and I was right.

 

You want a useful solution? Go buy the special tool then complain all you want. Because guess what, with the proper tools I can get this whole jobs done in an hour tops and thats on a bad day.

 

The only incompetence I see here is the person doing the work. Unbolt the front engine mount and jack up the engine. The timing cover slides right in, no problem. It also makes it a little easier to access the water pump. But I'm sure you'll whine about it because on other cars, this step is not necessary.

Guess what- all cars are different. A quick job on one car can be difficult on another.

 

That actually might be useful information which is all I wanted from the start. I certainly don't need anyone telling me to buy the very same tool I already knew I could use. I made my own cam locks, I can also figure out how to get a ECM out.


I was hoping someone would show up to help me that was adult enough to not take criticism of Volvo personal.


Apparently not.


.

 

You need the tool. No easy way around it. IPD has one for $30. It can be done without it, but it isn't easy and there's a risk of damaging the base or the retainers, costing more than the $30 tool.

Criticism is one thing, but when it's "I want to do this job but refuse to buy the right tool" and then blame Volvo for that, it's annoying.