New to Volvos

[Crankyhorse]

Hi

I just got a 2003 1.8 v40 auto with plenty of service history and 97k on the clock. It's very tidy bodywork wise with two dings that I have spotted so far... one being a dent in a rear arch the size of a finger tip. The seats are bit tired but it did have the camel's done 3 years ago.

It's very smooth and quiet on the go but did take a few turns to fire up this morning.

Apart from a good service, overdue, what else should I look out for?

[gatos]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Long cranking time when starting the engine is caused most of the times by the FPR (fuel pressure regulator)

[andy_d]

if you can tell us Which 1.8 engine it is,, (pic of the engine with the bonnet up will do it) we can probably point you to any engine specific things

But for now
If your going to service it/ get it done,
Genuine volvo plugs ,, no they are not £££ and honestly The best thing for the engine
Genuine Volvo Oil filter , ESP if it is the volvo 1.8 engine (with VVT)
Good quality oil (VVT engine - Needed ) and change it As per the maintenance schedule or be replacing the VVT pulley at Big expense compared to cheap aftermarket filter,,, )
Cam belt been done?
aux belt ?
tensioners for above?

[gatos]

It's an auto, so it cannot be the 1.8i GDI engine. Only Volvo engines were fitter on autos. But it is a good point. What I would suggest, for future reference is to add your car specs in you signature, so other people know exactly what you have and it is easier to offer help immediately and saves you writing everything what car you have....

Btw, agree with everything Andy said about plugs, oil etc. They do make a difference, specially in the long term

[Crankyhorse]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I have found an independent Volvo specialist in Sywell near where I live and have asked them for a quote for a service and to check an airbag light that is on. Also both front seatbelts look rat gnawed due to stupid aftermarket ripspeed seatbelt pad things so I may get them replaced.

Apart from that the cambelt and tensioner was done and it drives nice and smooth.

Why in the 21st century did they fit a cassette deck? Oh and it has a factory fitted sub in the boot, which gives John Humphries a deep, booming voice on Radio 4 in the mornings.

[andy_d]

as its the volvo 1.8 then (ta gatos) with VVT ,, really really do not use any other than a gen volvo oil filter, Do use decent (correct grade ) oil and DO stick to the mileage/time service schedule on them both,
unless you like £120ish + vat + fitting for a VVT pulley, every fairly often,

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=57125
"rufe" @ FRF do some good £;s on filters/etc,,

airbag etc needs "vida+dice" , which If your interested in doing the car yourself is Very worthwhile, https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=253191

and ask here
between us we have Probably broken it, fixed it , replaced it,, whatever it is

headlight wiper motors are so easy to change

[Crankyhorse]

Originally Posted by andy_d

as its the volvo 1.8 then (ta gatos) with VVT ,, really really do not use any other than a gen volvo oil filter, Do use decent (correct grade ) oil and DO stick to the mileage/time service schedule on them both,
unless you like £120ish + vat + fitting for a VVT pulley, every fairly often,

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=57125
"rufe" @ FRF do some good £;s on filters/etc,,

airbag etc needs "vida+dice" , which If your interested in doing the car yourself is Very worthwhile, https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=253191

and ask here
between us we have Probably broken it, fixed it , replaced it,, whatever it is

headlight wiper motors are so easy to change

The place I found to service it say they only use genuine parts. If the vvt pully fails does it kill the engine?

[andy_d]

Originally Posted by Crankyhorse

The place I found to service it say they only use genuine parts. If the vvt pully fails does it kill the engine?

mine didnt
others havent
you Will notice the lack of mid/top range "go" if / when it fails
and it will sound like a badly running diesil engine when you listen to it, with added "brrrr-tic-brrr-tic" noise

above 3.5k rpm it will feel "flat"

get it replaced and off it goes @ 3.5krpm

With the autobox you Really notice the diff when it is working esp when you use the kickdown and or Plant the go pedal into the carpet

it Will redline then change when you do that, quite UN-nerving the first few times and Totally addictive Fun,, i mean it says "Volvo" on the boot and Goes like that,,,

[Crankyhorse]

Originally Posted by andy_d

mine didnt
others havent
you Will notice the lack of mid/top range "go" if / when it fails
and it will sound like a badly running diesil engine when you listen to it, with added "brrrr-tic-brrr-tic" noise

above 3.5k rpm it will feel "flat"

get it replaced and off it goes @ 3.5krpm

With the autobox you Really notice the diff when it is working esp when you use the kickdown and or Plant the go pedal into the carpet

it Will redline then change when you do that, quite UN-nerving the first few times and Totally addictive Fun,, i mean it says "Volvo" on the boot and Goes like that,,,

Oh mine is making a tick tick tick tick brrr noise.

I have it booked in for a major service on Friday. Should I leave it parked up until then?

[gatos]

Originally Posted by Crankyhorse

Oh mine is making a tick tick tick tick brrr noise.

I have it booked in for a major service on Friday. Should I leave it parked up until then?

That is the VVT pulley that is gone bad.... It won't make a big difference to the daily running of the car, nor can it cause any long term damage. If however it annoys you, you can replace it. If you do so, it might be a good idea to do the timing belt and pulleys too at the same time