D5 cam belt tensioner disintegrated

Volvo recomended timing belt change is 96k,your is example of premature tensioner failure Volvo should contribute a healthy chunk toward repairs,If you decide on new engine then you will have to replace ECU also as its mated to engine,this all can get costly. thankfook i got paranoid and changed timing belt,tensioner etc at 60k

Glad you mentioned the ecu - I'll add that into the equation........I wish I'd done mine at 60k too!

So there seem to be 4 of about the same vintage from my research - just on 2 forums, so pretty high hit rate really. Do tell if anyone hears of any others please. Cheers, D

Thanks Clan - I have a convincingly argued case in with Volvo awaiting their response. I am sure they will be most co-operative (as you can see I lost the tensioner mounting lug on the engine block so rather terminal I fear). Meanwhile all help covering the obvious alternative is very useful. D

engine replacement D5 

Hi, sorry to hear about your problem of failing timing belt tensioner. Previous reply was correct in that Volvo will pay for replacement engine subject to history, age etc but I suspect as a 2003 they won't want to know. I can corrrect one reply, however, and that is that you CAN replace the engine with a second hand unit without replacing software. My garage has done this many times (I'm an independent Volvo specialist near Malton, North Yorkshire). Best of luck, but persevere, the D5 is a cracking good engine!:thumbs_up:

Thanks for the reassurance on the engine replacement - shame you are so far away! Not so good on the Volvo contribution front, but I will persevere for a while! Cheers, D

Me too! 

Hello, I have had my '54 XC90 SE Geartronic for 5 days. Yesterday the Engine Mangagement System shut the car down whilst I was on the M40. Turns out the Cam Belt has slipped due the tensioner disintegrating. Car is now awaiting full diagnosis from Volvo specialist - worst case new engine. Only 55K mileage! Having done some research today it seems I am not alone.