Cam belt or Chain?

[jjb]

Hi, I'm trying to get a definite answer to whether I have a cam belt or a chain. A main dealer says I have belt, but when I asked my local garage to give me a quote, they checked with a dealer and was told it has a chain, and that as part of the replacement, it must also have an oil and oil filter change, even though the car had a full service in January. It's a 2011 xc60 T5. the VIN number is YV1DZ475BB2211776. Is someone able to confirm please. Thanks in advance

[Deck1ng]

Copied from another site.
As to its correctness I cannot comment, but can see why there is confusion. Maybe it was chains for US market and belts in UK.

The 2011 Volvo XC60 comes equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The chain is designed to last the life of the vehicle, and as a metal part, by default, is more durable. Also because it operates from inside rather than outside the engine, it doesn't suffer from cracking or drying out like belts do. They can improve fuel economy as well. Most belts need replacing between 60,000-100,000 miles. The Forester's timing chain should remain maintenance free. Occasionally they break or the tensioner stretches, which can have catastrophic results for the engine. If You're finding metal shavings in the oil, experiencing mIS Fires or hearing a rattling noise while idling, make an appointment to have it examined.

[jjb]

Is there any site I can check using the VIN number. As you say, the chain should be for life, but the main reason I need confirmation is for an extended warranty. I need to keep the car serviced as per volvo schedule, but if replacing the chain (presuming that it's what I have) is not required to be replaced in order keep the policy valid, then I don't see the point of spending £600-£800 pounds.

[jasmith44]

Try a few dealers and see which one you have.It is easy enough over the phone.

[T5R92011]

The "T5" engine offered in that era of XC60 is the Ford Ecoboost 2.0 engine with 237bhp. It is a 2.0-litre 4 cylinder chain driven engine.

In the XC60, only the diesels have timing belts, all the petrol engines are chain driven i.e the 2.0-litre T5 and the 3.0-litre T6.

[jjb]

Thanks for that. Would you know if it's required to be replaced as part of Volvo schedule?

[Brimfull]

Chains don't usually have a schedule to be changed but some people recommend changing the chain at around 100k.

The good thing about a chain is that compared to a belt they give some warning before they let go eg, rattle on start-up, diesel like sound (on petrol engine) when idling etc.