QuestionQUESTION: I just had my car towed 60 miles home to the Volvo Dealer because the check
engine light came on, the message said "drive slowly and get service
immediately". the car drove very sluggish and vibrated until I stopped. the
light has been on and off the past few weeks, but no problem driving until
tonight. VOLVO checked it a couple of weeks ago and said it was the cam
reset valve, probably due to low oil pressure. and that it could wait to fix... no
worries. yeah right! I was planning to take my car to my personal mechanic
next week for a new timing belt (105k). Now my car is at the mercy of Volvo
dealer. they should have warned me this could happen! I assume they should
they change the timing belt too, but I don't think they should charge me
double the labor. any advise? could it be something else? sorry I don't know
the code. I have to have it fixed today, so a quick reply is VERY appreciated!
ANSWER: Arlene,
If the VVT variable valve timing valve is replace it just has an electrical connection. If it is the cam shaft gear then the t/belts has to be removed. Inquire what parts they will replace and get a quote prior to the work being done. That will give you a chance to ask about the t/belt or have it done elsewhere.
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QUESTION: another issue... when Volvo fixed this problem, they also said the spark plugs
were worn (which could be the case -13 months old and I drive many miles/
mo). But they also said they were the wrong plugs. My personal mechanic
used platinum NGK plugs that had a different pattern than Volvo plugs. I can't
tell a difference, but I'm wondering if this is correct. My mechanic owns
Volvo's and is very trustworthy. any opinion on this? thanks!
AnswerArlene,
I personally will not use the Platinum plugs, I have had some problems with them. If you are not having any issues with the way the car runs then continue using them. The standard plug will last at least 30k miles. If Volvo thought that Platinum was the way to go they would have used them.
