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My volvo s40 with 56,000 started squeeling at idle and it appears to be a belt. The check engine light is on. Can i get the diagnosis codes without going to a dealer? What might this be and is it time to change the timing belt and engine belt (serpentine)?
Country: United StatesMake: VolvoModel: s40Year: 2007 Already Tried: nothing
Hello, My name is XXXX XXX I am a Volvo dealership technician. I am going to try to help you with your question.
Are you near the car now or can you go out to it to try something?
yes i can
Okay, start the car and let it run until the noise occurs. Then remove either the oil dipstick or the oil fill cap and see if the noise goes away
i will be back in a few minutes...is this ok
Yes, I will be here
is there a step 2...to this process or will this nail it down?
just asking to see if i can do a couple things while im out there
If you could write the VIN down while you are out there, I may need it. But I'm pretty sure this will nail it down
As expected, it is not making the noise at this time
What does it mean if the noise goes away when the dip stick is removed?
Well those cars had problems with a diaphragm in the oil filter housing deteriorating and causing suction in the engine to make that noise
When you remove the dipstick or oil cap, it stops the noise because the engine can suck in more air
Volvo has an extended warranty on the filter housing, did you get oyur VIN? I can run it to make sure your car is eligible
it is eligible...i remember getting a warranty notice from volvo concerning this issue now that you mention it
Ah okay
Well it sounds like thats likely your problem, in which case the repair would be free
Would it be safe to drive 4 hours home to my home dealership?
Yes, it isn't a safety concern
And it won't mess up the engine?
No. The check engine light is on because air is being drawn in that isn't accounted for by the mass air flow sensor. The ECM compensates for this to a point, but when it reaches its limit, it sets the light
So your fuel mileage won't be as good as it should be, but it won't damage anything
Cool...I want to read over our conversation to digest what you are telling me....will all our chat remain on the screen even after I hit ACCEPT?
Thanks so much Andy!
I'm not sure how it works on your end. You can copy and paste it into a word processor to print it if you'd like
if it is not this, what would be the 2nd problem?
Well without hearing the noise, I couldn't say for sure. I have seen a couple belt tensioners make noise only when cold
But that is not anywhere near as common as the oil filter housing
OK..cool
Last question,,,,this is my first volvo; i have heard different opinions as to their quality. YOu seem very knowledgeable, do you think volvo's live up to their reputation as being a very dependable car?
My neighbor just got rid of her
Well, I don't work on competitor cars, so I can't speak directly for their reliability. And also, some Volvos are more reliable than others
....of her volvo and it only had 160,000 miles and they spent a lot of money on it!
The 2004.5 and later S40 has been pretty reliable
Good news....thanks for your time and expertise....have a good evening
No problem, good luck
Experience: One of only a handful of ACTUAL Volvo dealership technicians on JA, ASE Master Certified with L1