Our first project for Fika was to replace the PCV system, which had over 170,000 miles on it and was causing the cam seals to leak. Since it was well above our expertise, we entrusted it to our local Volvo dealership. However, we felt more comfortable tackling a simpler task: replacing the tailgate struts and decontaminating the plastic headlights. It was our first hands-on project and we were excited to start working on it…
The headlights were clouded from months of sitting outdoors, not being driven. The tailgate struts were weak and would collapse unless you jammed the tailgate up as high as it would go. After purchasing a kit from the store, we began sanding the headlights. After 30 minutes, they weren’t perfect, but they were significantly improved compared to before.
Moving on to the tailgate struts, I found you have to remove a lot of plastic trim and part of the headliner..ugh. After 45 minutes of sweating, watching tutorials from FCP Euro and YouTube, and careful prying…they were installed! Blown away from how much of a difference they make…you now have to pull down quite hard to close the tailgate.
Our next projects for Fika include replacing the fuel filter, air filter, and changing the headlight bulbs and fog lights as they are burned out. The timing belt and VVT hubs will also be taken care of through our local Volvo dealership later this month. The belt is soaked in oil from the cam seals leaking.
Enjoy the pictures (and a screenshot of all the codes set when scanned with VIDA at the dealer…yikes). It’s a little dirty and needs lots of work done…but proud to own the last P2-model year XC70, and excited to learn how to work on these. I’ve been a lurker on these forums, not posting much…but, I know the Swedespeed community will help every step of the way! Stay tuned…
Even Fika is sad she is so dirty…
