XC90 2010 loud cabin noise and rear vibration

[Brenda Hayhurst]

I purchased and XC90 in July. Started hearing a loud cabin noise when I have it in gear with my foot on the brake stopped at a redlight. I also have a rattle in the rear of the car during the same time. It's not consistent. Took it to the dealer 2 times and they can't find anything wrong with it. Noise is so loud it drowns out the radio. I'm thinking it might have something to do with the AWD because it began when I started using it. Noise disappeared in Feb. and when we used the AWD again, it returned. Anyone else having this problem? It's driving me crazy.

[wagga]

Hi.

How do you know when you are on a AWD mode?

I thought the XC90 AWD feature is automatic.

[Brenda Hayhurst]

It's not automatic. You push a button to activate AWD. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong activating it. I just began hearing the loud noise after I started using it. Thanks

[gillberry]

Just checked on the US volvo site and same as here the xc90 is permanent awd the only button is for snow and ice being a w next to the gearbox .

[wagga]

Originally Posted by gillberry

Just checked on the US volvo site and same as here the xc90 is permanent awd the only button is for snow and ice being a w next to the gearbox .

That's is what I thought. There is no 4WD lock in the XC90.

The AWD is "semi-permanent". It is on the Front Wheel Drive all the time, unless there is slippage on wheels, which will activate the intelligent control system to apportion the rear with the necessary drive, AUTOMATICALLY

I think the button you press must be the WINTER mode. I remember reading somewhere that it start off on gear no. 3. But not sure if it will go to the final 6. Could be that with winter mode, you are over-rev your XC90?

[wagga]

Saw it in the manual just now ......

"The winter programme starts the gearbox in
3rd gear to make it easier to pull off on slippery
roads. When the programme is engaged, lower
gears are activated only by kick-down.

The W program can be selected regardless of
the position of the gear selector, but is only
operational when the selector is in position D."

With the Winter mode, you start off at gear 3. Maybe that's why your car rattled if on normal road. And to overcome this, you press the accelerator more, much higher rpm .........