S60: S60 R - AWD Problem in SNOW!!!!!

[dougsmith]

Hi Guys, after a lot of searching, i bought what i thought was a bullet proof S60 R (2004) flash green on 18's, 1 owner car full volvo service history (80k on clock), i also got it at what i thought was a bargain. Car came with full yrs MOT and 15 month warranty.

I flew to London for the car and spoke with the previous owner who confirmed it was a genuine car and he had had no major problems apart from transmission which was replaced under warranty. I drove it back 480 miles to Scotland with no difficulty apart from a slight vibration at 70mph (due to wheels needing balanced as they had just been refurbished). When i got it back i chanaged all the tyres to brand new bridgestone S001's 235 x 40 x 18 y speed rating and car was going fantastically including in the wet, complete grip and awd working like a dream. Woke up this morning to 2/3 inches of snow, thought i would take her out and try her, got her out garage and she just sat and spun front wheels and rears did nothing at all. Would harldy move on flat and went no where on the hill. So i retreated back into garage and my wife's mini clubman pulled away and up hill no problem at all!!!!

Guys do we have any suggestions?

Angle gear?
Sensor(s)?

The only thing i noticed was when i was pulling away i was getting a strange clicking coming from some where in the engine bay???

Thanks for all your help, i have had 14 Volvos, and the only problems i have ever had have been with my 850 T5R and now this S60 R!!!!!

Bring back my old 480 GT!!!!!

[Dream3r]

Hi mate.

The AWD can be disabled by a logged error code in the DEM module or the angle gear and or sleeve failure.

My first stop would be a code read, then there is a simple test that can be performed to check if the angle gear is in operation I will try to dig it out.

[Clan]

The strange clicking noise could have been the traction control working .. the test for angle gear is to get under the car and turn the propshaft by hand , it should turn the front wheels , if it just spins freely you have angle gear problems .

[Dream3r]

Here you go, this is off the Volvo database:

Test driving Active on Demand Coupling, manual gearbox



Warning! Observe all traffic regulations during the test drive.
Hint:
The test drive consists of two tests. The first test is at low engine speeds (RPM). The second is at higher engine speeds (RPM).
At low engine speeds (RPM), four wheel drive is normally disengaged. At high engine speeds, four wheel drive will be engaged. This will have a braking effect when the clutch is depressed and the accelerator pedal (AP) is released.
The stopping distance with four wheel drive engaged must be approximately half the distance of that when four wheel drive is disengaged.
The test drive
Drive the car in a circle at full lock (the smallest turning circle) at a speed of approximately 10 km/h. Press the clutch and release the accelerator pedal (AP). Let the car come to a standstill.
Note how long it took for the car to stop.
Repeat the test. Increase the engine speed to 3000-4000 rpm. Let the car come to a standstill.
The car will stop in half the distance it took to stop in the first test if the function is correct.
Drive the car while looking out for any faults in functions or noise from the rear suspension.
If there is a fault or noise, stop the test drive. Return to the workshops. Fault trace the symptoms.

[Clan]

There are a few flaws there :
1 , the rear wheels are disengaged when braking ,
2, The rear wheels are engaged when the front wheels start to slip not at high speeds .
3, The circle test . the slow speed it says 10 kph the higher speed is 4000 rpm? surely the test should be at the same speed to be relavent?

Thats not genuine volvo information , it has an american ring about it... and too many strange statements ...

[Dream3r]

It is genuine information, hopefully the attachment will attest to that.

I will put the crabby reply down to the late hour, if there are flaws they are flaws generated by Volvo themselves, after all every dealer in the world should have this same information.

I'm no expert, I am however quoting from the manufacturer.

[Clan]

it appears genuine , but Bizzare :-)

[swilliss]

I tried driving in a few inches of snow this morning and immediately my front wheels began spinning. Rear wheels just sat there. I also heard the traction control clicking on and off (I assume). I am not showing a code fault ("Check engine" light), so I didn't think about a fault. I thought there was always supposed to be power to the rear-wheels on these cars? What kind of performance is this car supposed to exhibit in snow? Should all 4 tires be expected to pull at the same time or am I missing something?

Thx

By the way - mine is a 2006 S60R

[st5ve]

If you speak to your main dealer about this they will be able to give you some advice, I have always found MRG to be very informative and helpful. If you can get all wheels off the floor via a lift they should all turn when in gear, best to have this done by a garage that know what they are doing.

It does sound like the awd has an issue best contact Volvo

[icooney]

I have an R, the clicking is definitely you traction control, 2nd as i understand it you wont get the 4wd working under a certain speed therefor you have a fwd car up to that speed - snow or not, I tend not to drive mine in the crappy weather!! also don't get scarred by all the stuff put up on these forums about angle gear and it being a money pit, if you are genuinely not sure take it to someone like MRG/HLM or similar who know these models - possibly better than a dealer!!