Recalls: Volvo Mk.1 C70 Coupe
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volvo Mk.1 C70 Coupe
- In September 1999, a recall was issued for model year 1998 Volvo C70 Coupe vehicles due to a condition in which the headlight switch on the instrument panel may cease functioning such that the lights do not operate. Furthermore, the passenger airbag may be sensitive to electrostatic discharge and may deploy (PRA 1999/4079).
- In December 2000, a recall was issued for model year 2000 and 2001 Volvo C70 Coupe vehicles. For these vehicles, transposed wiring in the side impact protection system (SIPS) may result in the deployment of the opposite airbag in the event of a side airbag. The affected vehicles could be identified by their chassis numbers which were in the range 016003 to 024128 (PRA 2000/4581).
Problems and faults: Volvo Mk.1 C70 Coupe
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
1999-02 Volvo C70 Coupe: electronic throttle control software update – service campaign
In November 2006, Volvo initiated recall R155 in the USA to update the electronic throttle control software; while this recall was not initiated in Australia, a service campaign was. According to the recall notice, 1999-02 model year Volvo C70 Coupe vehicles may experience the following symptoms:
- Entering ‘limp home’ mode (which limited power and engine speed); and/or,
- A warning lamp in the instrument cluster would illuminate and the ‘Service Required’ message would be displayed.
The recall notice attributed these symptoms to a combination of throttle positioning sensor irregularities, a dirty throttle housing and/or ‘inefficient’ software calibration. The electronic throttle control software upgrade that was installed as part of the recall enabled the system to better differentiate between glitches or minor disturbances, and real system faults. The software upgrade also reduced idle oscillations caused by dirt build-up in the throttle.
Itis understood that the service action for Australian-delivered vehicles included:
- Measuring pressure in the crankcase and cleaning the crankcase ventilation system. According to Volvo Cars Australia, a ‘high percentage’ of Volvo cars serviced outside its dealer service network experienced blocked crankcase breathers;
- Updating the electronic throttle module (ETM) software as per the R155 recall; and,
- Clearing any fault codes in the system.
Volvo C70 Coupe: other problems and faults
- Water may enter the passenger compartment due to a gap between the firewall and engine compartment – applying sealant between the two may fix the problem.
- The drain holes in the rocker panels may be clogged with body sealer and cause corrosion.
- A whining noise from the front of the vehicle may require the dampers on both the half shafts to be replaced.
