2012 S60 cabin noise. Frequency varies w/speed over ~65 mph.

Gary NE · Feb 14th, 2024, 04:27

My wife and I plan to purchase a 2012 S60 T5 from my elderly aunt who no longer drives. It has 45K miles and seems to generally be in fine condition. The car's at our home now and we took it for a couple of test drives today. Everything seems great except for a noise that invariably begins between 60 and 70 mph, and increases in frequency with speed (as well as decreasing in frequency as speed is decreased). It sounds like medium-pitched radio static. Some might call it a buzz. We're certain it's coming from inside the car, this is not wind noise. The radio is off (not just turned down). We haven't been able to pinpoint the source, but it does sound electronically generated, and sounds a lot like it's coming from one or more speakers. I was driving, with my wife in the front passenger seat, and to both of us the sound seemed to be coming from somewhere ahead of the driver.

Some 15-20 years ago, we had a Chevy Suburban that made what we recall as a nearly identical noise, which I think also varied with speed in the same way, and I think that turned out to be coming from the OnStar speaker(s). I don't recall what the solution to that problem was.

This sound isn't very loud, but definitely too loud for us to just live with.

This is the only Volvo we've had any experience with. Can anyone offer advice on possible cause and solution? The nearest Volvo dealer is 2 hours away, so a DIY fix would be nice if possible.

Gary NE · Feb 15th, 2024, 03:57

Today I found the source of this noise. While it wasn't wind noise per se, it was being caused by wind causing a plastic trim piece to flutter against the left edge of the windshield. I may do something different later, but for now a 2" piece of plastic tape, holding the trim from shaking, has solved the problem.

GMcL · Feb 15th, 2024, 05:26

Initially, I was thinking tyres when you said the car had been standing for a while and it being a 2012 car.

Good you found the source and a temporary fix. Will you go ahead and buy it ?

Feb 14th, 2024, 04:27	#1
Gary NE New Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2024 03:57 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Aurora	2012 S60 cabin noise. Frequency varies w/speed over ~65 mph. My wife and I plan to purchase a 2012 S60 T5 from my elderly aunt who no longer drives. It has 45K miles and seems to generally be in fine condition. The car's at our home now and we took it for a couple of test drives today. Everything seems great except for a noise that invariably begins between 60 and 70 mph, and increases in frequency with speed (as well as decreasing in frequency as speed is decreased). It sounds like medium-pitched radio static. Some might call it a buzz. We're certain it's coming from inside the car, this is not wind noise. The radio is off (not just turned down). We haven't been able to pinpoint the source, but it does sound electronically generated, and sounds a lot like it's coming from one or more speakers. I was driving, with my wife in the front passenger seat, and to both of us the sound seemed to be coming from somewhere ahead of the driver. Some 15-20 years ago, we had a Chevy Suburban that made what we recall as a nearly identical noise, which I think also varied with speed in the same way, and I think that turned out to be coming from the OnStar speaker(s). I don't recall what the solution to that problem was. This sound isn't very loud, but definitely too loud for us to just live with. This is the only Volvo we've had any experience with. Can anyone offer advice on possible cause and solution? The nearest Volvo dealer is 2 hours away, so a DIY fix would be nice if possible. Last edited by Gary NE; Feb 14th, 2024 at 04:31. Reason: Clarification in title

Feb 15th, 2024, 03:57	#2
Gary NE New Member Last Online: Feb 15th, 2024 03:57 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: Aurora	Issue Resolved Today I found the source of this noise. While it wasn't wind noise per se, it was being caused by wind causing a plastic trim piece to flutter against the left edge of the windshield. I may do something different later, but for now a 2" piece of plastic tape, holding the trim from shaking, has solved the problem.

Feb 15th, 2024, 05:26	#3
GMcL 0's and 1's Last Online: Yesterday 11:04 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: -	Initially, I was thinking tyres when you said the car had been standing for a while and it being a 2012 car. Good you found the source and a temporary fix. Will you go ahead and buy it ? __________________ 2011 Volvo S60 D3 R-design Premium - 2020 Focus ST estate automatic - 2020 KIA eSoul 150kW 64kwh EV Previous: 2005 Volvo S60 D5 Sport - 2017 Focus RS

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