2003 Volvo S80 D5

[Gareth]

I guess I'll need a thread for updates and advice on the latest motor to the house. There are a lot of little niggles that will need sorted over the next few weeks/months and I'm definitely going to need help to get it back on the road. Minor work and tidying up the car is not out of my ability, but for example the timing belt will need done by a mechanic.

My parents bought this new back in 2003 and has been in the family since. They're not worth a lot of money today and I'm guessing I'll probably have to spend what'd cost to buy one to put it right, but I know the 78000 miles on the clock is genuine, I know the car did not have a hard time during my parents ownership (my brother was not so easy on it) and I'm more than happy to have a new project to play with for a couple of months.

First things to sort are, and in no particular order,

• New battery
• New wiper arms and blades (bought already but needs painting before fitting)
• New tyres
• New windscreen
• Wheels refurbished
• Full service
• Thoroughly cleaned inside and out, polished and coated.

Steering wheel feel 'loose' so the first thing for me to do it address that and get a new battery into it.

Surprisingly the car isn't that bad after being layed up for the last 3 years, no mould inside and I've not found any rust on the outside.

This is what I'm working with

 

[Mont]

I'd a later D5 on of these for about 18 months. Comfy big cruiser of a thing. The front seats were the comfiest seats of any car I've ever owned. Sounded nice enough too.

You're probably doing more of a refresh than anything else but I found a remap helped mine alot when it came to picking up a reasonable bit of pace for passing.

 

[vw1500]

I know a good independent Volvo specialist up near Dundrod if you need stuff done. He’s worked on volvos in the family for past few years.

 

[Gareth]

I know a good independent Volvo specialist up near Dundrod if you need stuff done. He’s worked on volvos in the family for past few years.

Put the details up here, or fire me a PM. I'll likely have the timing belt and water pump replaced too. It was done not too long before it was parked up but I'm not willing to take a chance on it letting go or the water pump being stuck/blocked.

 

[Tufty]

Volvo`s are just cool bricks my father had a fair few 240s 740s & 960 Turbo when I was growing up.

At least you know the history wit this one and even though it might require a few quid being spent on it its still a good car.

 

[Gareth]

First question - Key fobs

I've ordered replacement fobs for the keys as the blade spring is broken and the fob is just generally tired looking. If I swap over the internals to the new fob, is there a transponder in there that also needs moved? If so, where is it and how do I get it out?

 

[Ben P]

I know this isn't your key, but should be similar.

Volvo Flip-Key Repair – ANDREW PENG

Volvo Flip-Key Repair - Flip-keys certainly are fun – a neat little package with the key and the remote control all in one. A compact package when all you need is the remot...

andrewpeng.net

 

[Gareth]

I know this isn't your key, but should be similar.

Volvo Flip-Key Repair – ANDREW PENG

Volvo Flip-Key Repair - Flip-keys certainly are fun – a neat little package with the key and the remote control all in one. A compact package when all you need is the remot...

andrewpeng.net

That's what my key is like when disassembled, thanks Ben. I was looking a YouTube video on it, but that confirms my suspicions of cutting the transponder out. Will be nervous AF taking it apart.

 

[Gareth]

Got a chance today to give the outside of the car a clean. I've not got any 'after' photos, but will get some soon. Paint on the boot is trashed, I even tried to sand it but it seems like it is too far gone and if I want it back to original it'll need painted (doubt I'll do that tbh)

Enjoy the disgustingness

During sanding and after to see if there's any improvement to be had. Co.puyer says no,

The bonnet will come up OK with a little polishing it seem,

 

[Steve750]

That looks like a really nice motorway muncher

 

[Gareth]

Service kit and brake pads are next to be done,

 

[Gareth]

Odd one today. DIM wasn't working, took it out and put it back in and DIM is now working,

My next issue is that the heater/blower stays on whilst the car is off and key removed. I've pulled the fuse for now but any idea what would cause this?

 

[Gareth]

Latest issue resolved, blower motor is stuck on as the fan resistor is shorting the system or something like that. Need to replace the resistor and fan as both look corroded,

Seems like whoever tried to fix this previously has Stripped a wire then wrapped insulating tape to it. I'll get it tidied up better than it was,

 

[Gareth]

New resistor arrived today. Won't get it fitted until the weekend but hope this fixes another wee issue

 

[Gareth]

New resistor fitted and the blower works perfectly now,

 

[Gareth]

Not much progress due to work and kids but got a new windscreen fitted this week,

 

[ilovequo]

That colour combo is fantastic! Great starting point to do a freshen up on and lovely that you've known it from new... Let me know if you ever want to sell!

 

[Gareth]

That colour combo is fantastic! Great starting point to do a freshen up on and lovely that you've known it from new... Let me know if you ever want to sell!

Thanks, but at this stage it'll not get sold. When I'm finished with it in a year or 2 it'll go back into storage as an emergency family wagon.

 

[Gareth]

Dropped the old oil out and new oil and filter fitted. Front wheels are off to get new rubber this week.

 

[Gareth]

New pads and painted the front calipers. New tyres going on tomorrow or Tuesday.

 

[Steve750]

I love this car