Hi everybody! So I have a 2004 Volvo XC90 SUV and I was told that the heater core needs replacement. I can't afford the dealer prices and was wondering if this can be a DIY project?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6wJ4A7pUIc

I have never heard of a "firebox." I do not know what the dealer is referring to. Is there a part number or alternative description? (The dealer may be taking you for a ride... beware!)
He may be referring to the "flame trap," which is basically a thermal barrier.

Watch the You Tube Video

I work at a Volvo dealership. If it is the icm that is causing those problems the only other possibility is that there may be corrosion on the wiring harness that plugs into the icm. That will cause loss of signal from the icm. Possibility of corrosion just being cleaned off which would be very cheap, if it has gotten down into the wires the harness would have to be replaced or repaired, not sure on cost. If there is no corrosion anywhere to be found then the icm is the only option, no tricks or loopholes to avoid replacing it. If the icm does have to be replaced I would highly recommend using the dealership and brand new icm. I have read reviews of people claiming that they have purchased used ones from eBay or junkyards but I have never seen it work myself because the icm comes clean with no software on it from Volvo then a dealership will install icm and perform the software download once it is hooked up to your vehicle, this links that part with your car, so yours should not work in someone else's car and someone else's should not work in yours. Always be careful with major electronics for your car in the future as well most of the complicated modules in these cars are designed the same way, vehicle specific programming that makes used ones not work or not work properly. Best way to tell for anything in the future is if you are given an estimate from a dealership and it shows software needed with the part buy from the dealership. If it shows no software needed your usually good to buy an aftermarket or used part that will be cheaper. Side note I have an xc90 that needs the icm replaced asked my technicians if there was any way around it, checked for corrosion and found none, he told me there is no other way, and even with my employee discount the price still hurts. So good luck and pray for corrosion.

a long time. ive done 3 of them. better let the dealer handle that one

The service involves a fluid change and filter cleaning or replacement. Good Luck! I hope you find this to be very helpful!

replace the heater core

this sounds like a gas pressure regulatur. a few minutes after starting,you start smelling fumes,and are getting bad gas mileage right?

sorry but this is a very common problem and from now on change that fluid every 30k /we do and we dont have these problems ,that is the cold hard facts even if they told you it didnt need serviced

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