2003 Volvo S60 AWD, 185K miles.
Back in January check engine light came on. Scan indicated P0011. Replaced VVT solenoid and changed the oil (my mechanic used Autozone branded oil). He reset the code, everything was fine until April - check engine, P0014. Replaced the other VVT solenoid. Code didn't go away so asked mechanic to reset code, everything was fine for 2-3 weeks, then check engine light came on again. Scanned it at Autozone, now both codes, P0011 and P0014 show up. I now take it to Volvo dealer, they diagnose it and find ECM-640a and ECM-641a. They say that since the VVT solenoids were replaced, that the VVT hubs now need to be replaced. With timing belt, etc, it's $2775 to fix it. Is it possible that both hubs went bad at the same time? Or could those solenoids be bad? Or is it the oil?
Side note. Car is driven primarily by my daughter to go to school about 5 miles away. Car is kept outside, and was an extremely cold winter when this all started. So I'm questioning if the oil or sludge might be the culprit. I'm having a hard time paying $2775 plus tax for a car that seems to be worth maybe $3500. Inspection is due this month so have to figure out what we're going to do. Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, sludge will cause the light to come on or if you're low on oil. Yes, the hubs need to be replace and I would have them check the crankcase, if they haven't done that. I've seen a case where new vvt hubs were replaced but started leaking from the hub seals since the crankcase was restricted.

 

Vida, thanks for the reply. Does $2775 seem high to replace the hubs and timing belt? Is it worth it on a vehicle with 185K miles?

 

How often do you see this issue reproduced?
If only sometimes there can be issue the PTC Resistor, Preheating Air.
So you can disconnect it first and check if code will return.
It is using the same supply as solenoids so if it almost short (normally it should have about 7 Om resistance) solenoids are getting lower current and do not work as they should.