Other XC90 Problem: Swirl Flaps

[truck]

My 11my went in for its' MOT just before the warranty ran out. Dealer checked for codes & noticed the 'swirl' code - couldn't find a reason so reset & asked me to drive it for a few weeks then return to check. At the check the code had returned so they did the fix under warranty - very impressed.

No warning lights or issues with power etc at all

[paulodipoggio]

Just to add, when my flaps have gone (as the actress said to the .... ) I normally get a lumpy start from cold, then drives OK, but if giving it some eg overtaking or going up a steep hill fast, then it hits 3,500/4,000 rpm and goes no further, wont change up or down, no more torque.
Wouldn't want to rely on it for a quick overtake, but then its an XC90 not a Caterham anyway ...?

[ted striker]

Swirl flap arm is dropping off repeatedly now, looks like it might be time to get the new arm.

Anyone know if anyone stocks the old style arm or am I faced with the daunting task fitting of the modified arm?

[laundryman]

What happened to mine was the ball on the end of the swirl flap arm had become worn so the link arm kept falling off. drilling a couple of small holes across the ring in the link arm and putting a bit of paper clip across the hole reduced the size of the holeand stopped it slipping off. To make hole use 1mm drill bit or heat up paper clip and gently melt hole through. once done turn ends over on clip & cut to suit. Still going 6 months on. I'm sure at some stage I will have to replace the swirl flaps, but not yet!

[ted striker]

Thanks Laundryman. That's a cracking fix.

I've replaced the arm with a new one from Volvo today, will see if it drops off as well. When the old arm disconnects if it appears to be from the engine end (which I think is the end you had a problem with) It does look touch worn.

I've saved the old arm for trying your fix.

[jodiexii]

You need to fix a bracket that stops swirl arm stepper motor from straining arm when it does calibration check (every 5 engine start)
There are pics if you google

[ted striker]

Thanks Jodiexii

Yup, seen the bumpstop mods, potential solution for me too.

[jodiexii]

I used small bracket and a tap seat rubber from BnQ
Under a fiver

[tremly]

Hi Ted,

I have the exact same problem as you. The arm is not broken but the bit towards the engine. I was going to try the solution you proposed but can't quite understand where you put the paperclip.

Did you insert the paperclip through both holes then bent the edges. Am guessing the paperclip then runs the full length of the hole?

Many Thanks
Trem

[ted striker]

Tried the paperclip solution today, couldn't get it to work.

It appears the bashed up ball joint is worse at different angles, so the paperclipped arm would stay on the joint when the arm was away from the engine but would slip off when the arm was towards engine.

I was also concerned with the extra wear & tear the metal paperclip would exert on the plastic ball joint and the danger of it cutting it off.

Have left it for now (afraid of damaging it)with arm towards engine which I think is throttles opened and will assess and/or wait for messages