Just bought a 2010 XC90 2.4D SE
 

Hi guys.

Just bought my first ever Volvo!

I wanted a bigger car for grandkids etc, plus wanted some off road ability so picked up a 2010 XC90 at an auction for £3800. A bargain I know, but it has 125k on the clock and the interior is a bit tired, but I am happy to spend a bit to make it look better.

It’s due an MOT so it’s in tomorrow to my trusted Indy garage for an MOT and service but want to make sure he/we cover all bases to get this car where it needs to be. The car has a pretty good service record with 7 stamps, (4 Main dealer, up to 4 years 60k miles) and three from independent dealers in London, the last but one stating “full service”. It’s last service was in July 2019 at 116k miles. I only have the service book, no receipts descriptions of work etc.

There are two check engine warnings, one saying “Normal Service required”, one saying “Engine Service Required” with a red triangle.

Will get the garage to do the usual stuff e.g. oil, all filters (oil, air, cabin, fuel etc), plus usual inspection stuff.

I was wondering about doing the gearbox oil and filter as I have read that this is a good idea. I am not sure about the cam belt/tensioner/water pump but thought it worth doing these as well just to be on the safe side.

Any advice on oil (brand, viscosity etc), gearbox fluid, etc etc would be appreciated.

I also want to add Bluetooth connectivity as it’s not on the car, so any advice there too would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Laurie

At that milage it should have had the timing belt replaced, so check for that. It is also a good idea to swap the aux belt (and tensioner) at the same time. If the aux belt breaks it will almost certainly go into the timing belt and wreck the engine. It happened to two members here last week!
Don't change the water pump (as long as it is original Volvo) unless it is leaking, which it won't be.

Normal Service Required means just that. Engine Service Required means there is a DTC.

I would change the gearbox oil. It will make a difference. Consult your manual for oil specs.

Don't forget the fuel filter. It can cause issues if it blocks.
Make sure the parking brake is working correctly.

You will love the car. Good luck

Many thanks
 

Thanks for that, will keep you posted.

Yes, its a good idea to change the transmission fluid. Your vehicle will take JWS3309 spec transmission fluid (Don't use any other spec). Volvo branded fluid is expensive, but there's alternative options from brands like Mannol or Smith & Allen for example that sell the same spec fluid for a much cheaper price. Mannol in particular seems to be popular amongst Volvo owners, so you should have no issues using it.

Mannol (Look at the first two, a 10L drum & a 20L one if you want some more for future use)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...s3309&_sacat=0

Smith & Allen

https://www.smithandallan.com/produc...-aisin-warner/

With regards to engine oil, Volvo recommends Castrol 0W-30 A5/B5 spec. Replace the timing belt, aux belt & aux belt tensioner as soon as you possibly can (if there's no record of these parts being replaced that is). I'd also suggest using genuine Volvo parts if possible, not cheap aftermarket stuff. Get the garage to hook the car up to diagnostics to find out what the fault(s) is/are, as there must be some kind of fault(s) for the "Engine System Service Required" message to come up on the dash with the red triangle. Hopefully there isn't more than one fault code though, but there could well be. Diagnostics is your friend for that & hopefully its nothing too serious/costly.

Good luck with your new purchase.

If you get a barrel, watch out that a tap is included. Last time I purchased one, the seller had a tap only included in his shop articles (for the same price). :) And without it's a PITA. Take a look at this video (forwarded to 3:22): https://youtu.be/-DxEmb-2s2A?t=212

Trying to pour from a full 20L barrel like the guy in the video will guarantee getting fluid everywhere you don't want it.

I've used the large barrel several times with no tap and this works for me.
Tape kitchen towel to the barrel under the opening to soak up any minor spills that do occur.
Keep the barrel on the ground, bring a jug at a 45° angle up to the edge of the barrel opening and lean the barrel quickly to pour into the jug then quickly away to stop when done.
This will virtually eliminate spillage.

Once 5 or 6 litres have been poured from the barrel, you can then lift the barrel to pour.

Yep that's the other way, but if you can get a tap "for free", you have to agree it's the easier way. :)

My seller lists his barrels without a tap, but if you take a look into his shop-only-auctions, the tap is included for the same price.

Fair enough if you want or need it but it's not really for me.
I just see it as a solution for a problem I don't have.
You say it's a PITA. I don't.

Now I get what you mean. :) One point will very well be, that I'm not the one for fine motor skills :D :D :D So in my case it's tap or 5l oil on the floor :D :D :D