Hi Friends!

I just purchased a 1998 V70 T-5 (my first Volvo which my wife and I have affectionately named Hagrid!) and the P0500 error code is popping up. This is my first venture into trying to address a mechanical issue with my car on my own. I just dropped $2,000 into getting the shocks, structs, cv joints, and fluids flushed and am hoping I can get this one without the help of a mechanic.

Ok so here is my question… The P0500 error code is for the speed sensor, but it seems like everyone is saying the problem has something to do with an ABS module. Would appreciate someone taking the time to answer a couple of questions…

1) How do you go from "a speed sensor error code" to knowing that the real issue has to do with a bad ABS module? Why doesn't the error code point you to the ABS system instead of the speed sensor?

2) My speedo seems to be working fine. Is that the indicator that the actual problem is with the ABS Module?

3) How hard is it to replace the ABS Module? I'm pretty handy but haven't tinkered with cars too much.

Thanks for any help you can give. I know this topic has been addressed some in the forums, but I couldn't find answers to the specific questions I asked above.

I am new to the forum and I really want to be respectful of the community. I am not sure if this was "new thread worthy" or not. Should this post be moved to a previous P0500 Error code thread? Please let me know for future reference.

thanks
charles

 

Ok went to Volvo specialist mechanic today and he verified for me that the issue was the ABS Module. Apparently these modules are notorious for going bad. I looked through Hagrid's history report and somewhere around the 33,000 mile mark the ABS module was replaced. So this isn't the first time Hagrid has had this issue.

As for the repair here is what the mechanic told me…

1) It is better to have the ABS module rebuilt than replaced. The issue is that there is a defect in the original part so every new Volvo ABS module is prone to going out. The rebuilt modules are better because the mechanic can address the defective issue in rebuild process. I also have found that there are other's out there who do this same repair for you.

2) Mechanic told me that he would not allow me to remove the ABS myself and bring it to him for the rebuild. He said that he felt like it was better if I let him check every step in the process to make sure that every issue was addressed. The idea being that there might be more going on than just the ABS module.

This sounds reasonable, but then again we are talking about $350 to let him do it instead of somewhere in the $50 range if I get it rebuilt and do it myself. What do you guys think? What are the chances that I'll still have issues after replacing the ABS module?

3) The mechanic told me that the car was safe to operate in this condition. It just means that the ABS system won't function, but the brakes will operate normally.

Thanks for listening. I saw the repair done in a youtube video and it didn't look too difficult. Anyone out there try this one on their own? What was your experience?

thanks
charles