New owner of 2006 XC90

[vwbug7777]

Hello All,

I have just bought a 2006 XC90 here in Perth, Western Australia. Cost $2200 and has 190 000 km (118 000 miles), it's black (what a clever idea in a warm country) and currently I have a list of small jobs to do before I get it roadworthy and registered.
Headliner is sagging a bit in places but other than that I love it! Some of the plastic trim is even cheaper and crappier than a Mitsubishi - I also have a Mitsubishi Pajero (2004) and the ride and feel are very similar. The only thing I have noticed (just put a new battery in today) is that the fuel flap does not lock. Will look into that. I am going to re-upholster the leather seats myself (did the Pajero and, you know, I should go into business making leather replacement seats as the cracked leather looks so unappealing. The Volvo seats are worse than the Pajero, so many big cracks.... I am going to remove the complete heading and do a proper job.
Will keep all posted on my progress.

[SwissXC90]

Nice car.
I see you have the the optional mudflaps, and accesory aero roof bars.

These cars really need front mudflaps to keep the body clear of dirt and mud


Regarding fuel flap: be aware that it only locks some minutes after you lock the car, to allow you to get out at a petrol station, lock the car, and still get access to the fuel flap.

If it still doesn't lock, then removal of the fuel flap locking motor is very simple, 2 bolts from in the fuel door and the motor comes out on the inside of the car. You can reach it behind the trim cladding, no need to disassemble anything.
The motor can be easily disassembled and tested: it is a small 12V motor and they often, after 10 to 15 years, get noisy due to drying up of the silicon grease, or have bad contacts due to pressure-fit electrical contacts. Both very easy to fix.

[SwissXC90]

PS I have the same wheels as you for my winter wheels. Don't fall into the trap of getting bigger rims: ride quality and ability to soak up bumps and potholes will suffer.
I know as I have 17s for Winter and 20s for Summer.

[MartyButler]

I see that another member put up a great Guide with Photos and on new years eve showing how to remove and fix the motor for the fuel filling flap.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=194334

Also as SwissXC90 said there is a delay with the locking of the filler flap so make sure to rule that out first,
We are on our 2nd XC90, 2006 first and now a 2011, so well wear with it.

[vwbug7777]

Thank you both for the info on the fuel flap! I will sort that out next week (working away at the moment).
I meant to say, in my first post, that I will remove the complete headlining, to solve the sagging issue properly. I am sure others have the same problem (or is it a heat issue?).
I had to remove the headlining in my Pajero once, to fit a roof rack, so I know the hassle of clips and trim just to remove it!

[Familyman 90]

Never seen a sagging headlining on a UK (I've owned three) or Canadian XC90, somit may well be a heat issue.