And I thought my CLK had problems. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

The Clk Man · #1 06-10-2014, 01:03 AM

I had my 2000 Mercury Mountaineer up for sale or trade and I saw this ad on craigslist for a 2002 Volvo S40, so I asked the guy if he wanted to trade, he said that he had 5 kids and that he would trade, I said ok and so we traded. And on the way home I noticed that the car wouldn't shift out of third gear. I thought to myself oh no... new tranny time... I talked to my indy and he said that's what everyone thinks, he said just get a good used TCM off ebay for $50 and I will install and flash it for $150 and you are back in business for $200 he says he see's this all of the time on these early model s40's even driving slow in third gear around town I'm getting 30+ per gallon compared to 17 on the Mountaineer. But there is a ton of little annoying things that need fixing like the low beam on the passenger side doesn't won't and it isn't the bulb, it's some module thingy, the trunk latch wiring harness has a short but it's easy to find because it's happened to everyone so they know where it's at, ya know stuff that, but once you get all of that stuff figured out, they say it's a pretty good car. it's a 1.9 Turbo. and after the TCM fix the gas mileage should go up to about 35 highway.

spdrun · #2 06-10-2014, 01:15 AM

It's not a Volvo. It's a low-end Mitzibytchy.

The last real Volvos were made in 1999. All afterward were either Mitsus, Fords, or (right now) Geelys. Get a 240, 740, or 940 and it will be 10 years older but feel worlds better than the S40.

Air&Road · #3 06-10-2014, 06:10 AM

Click, glad you're getting it sorted out.

What's a "Gel?"

The Clk Man · #4 06-10-2014, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Air&Road

Click, glad you're getting it sorted out.

What's a "Gel?"

The Clk Man · #5 06-10-2014, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

It's not a Volvo. It's a low-end Mitzibytchy.

The last real Volvos were made in 1999. All afterward were either Mitsus, Fords, or (right now) Geelys. Get a 240, 740, or 940 and it will be 10 years older but feel worlds better than the S40.

Looks like Geelys didn't get involved until 2010, seems like the engine is great but everything else falls apart and even the paint falls off the thing.

TylerH860 · #6 06-10-2014, 04:46 PM

So you traded off your Mountaineer with 3 wheels in the grave for a Volvo with 3 wheels in the grave?

P.C. · #7 06-10-2014, 04:50 PM

If my sole transportation has to be a 12-year-old car, I would pick something low-tech, with a good reputation for drivetrain durability, and good parts availability. Crown Vic, Mercury Grand Marquis, most 4-cylinder Camry's, large GM sedans with the 3800 V6...

P.C. · #8 06-10-2014, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

So you traded off you Mountaineer with 3 wheels in the grave for a Volvo with 3 wheels in the grave?

Variety is the spice of life.

Mölyapina · #9 06-10-2014, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spdrun

It's not a Volvo. It's a low-end Mitzibytchy.

The last real Volvos were made in 1999. All afterward were either Mitsus, Fords, or (right now) Geelys. Get a 240, 740, or 940 and it will be 10 years older but feel worlds better than the S40.

Wow, I have to agree with you.

Psssssst, Clk... Corolla.

Hey! I know! You can say "Buy a Mac!" and I can say "Buy a Corolla!"

iwrock · #10 06-10-2014, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

If my sole transportation has to be a 12-year-old car, I would pick something low-tech, with a good reputation for drivetrain durability, and good parts availability. Crown Vic, Mercury Grand Marquis, most 4-cylinder Camry's, large GM sedans with the 3800 V6...

Not a 2002 Land Rover Freelander?

I'm shocked!

tjts1 · #11 06-10-2014, 08:26 PM

I have an 01 S40 in the family with 170... something thousand miles. Runs like a champ. Never heard of the transmission issue you describe. Change the ATF when you get a chance. They say lifetime fluid but... well you know how that goes. The slushbox is built by toyota (Aisin). Yes, the body is shared with the euro market Mitsubishi Carisma, interior, electrics, and engine are Volvo, transmission is toyota. Too bad they never sold the 200hp (HPT) version of that 1.9 in the US. The first gen S40 was the first car to earn a 5 star crash test rating in the euro NCAP test, long before Mercedes.

The Clk Man · #12 06-11-2014, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

I have an 01 S40 in the family with 170... something thousand miles. Runs like a champ. Never heard of the transmission issue you describe. Change the ATF when you get a chance. They say lifetime fluid but... well you know how that goes. The slushbox is built by toyota (Aisin). Yes, the body is shared with the euro market Mitsubishi Carisma, interior, electrics, and engine are Volvo, transmission is toyota. Too bad they never sold the 200hp (HPT) version of that 1.9 in the US. The first gen S40 was the first car to earn a 5 star crash test rating in the euro NCAP test, long before Mercedes.

I appreciate the info, I sorta thought that about the engine and interior, because that's only part of the car that's in good shape. Once I get the tranny sorted out and all of the little things fixed I should have a good car, I am sorta worried about when was the last time the timing belt was changed, how do you check for that?

TwitchKitty · #13 06-11-2014, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

I am sorta worried about when was the last time the timing belt was changed, how do you check for that?

There is not a definitive check. First check to see if it has pushrods. If the pushrods are good you don't have to worry about the timing belt. It might not have pushrods, maybe a flathead.

The Clk Man · #14 06-11-2014, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

There is not a definitive check. First check to see if it has pushrods. If the pushrods are good you don't have to worry about the timing belt. It might not have pushrods, maybe a flathead.

should I also check the piston actuator?

Jim B. · #15 06-11-2014, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwitchKitty

There is not a definitive check. First check to see if it has pushrods. If the pushrods are good you don't have to worry about the timing belt. It might not have pushrods, maybe a flathead.

If there are no service records showing on them when the timing belt was changed, then check the owners manual, if you have one.

If not buy one from the dealer or off ebay and then look inside, somewhere in there it will state what mileage or time interval the belt should be changed..

If NOT keep in mind that on my 740, a 1991 I'd bought for my wife, it was a recommended service at 90k.

I seem to recall you once told us you had a big 245 "brick" Volvo wagon and was a good car for you, and it did well in a horrific front end crash, didn't it?

Or, find the Volvo forum for the s40, and then join up and ask THEM - they are the enthusiasts and would be more helpful than a bunch of Mercedes owner.

You could call yourself when you register on that board, the "s40 Man" on THAT board.

But,

You'll ALWAYS be remembered *here* as our very own "Clk Man" though!