The Vacuum pump was recalled on this car (http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2000/volvo/s40/recalls/), and it was replaced back in '04, unfortunately, I am beginning to think it was done incorrectly, as the car will very occasionally not stop right away. I called Volvo Customer Service and they told me they only do recalls once. I even asked "what if the pump was installed incorrectly during the recall?" And they still refused to fix it again. Very strange given what's at stake.

Anyway I doubt this pump costs that much, and I do not feel like fighting, but can someone tell me where the pump is supposed to go (after the recall) so I can check, and if possible what the model should be of the newer pump?


#2, I've got the dreaded CEL P0014, the solenoid has been replaced, the timing belt was also replaced -- but it still comes on sporatically. The mechanic checked the timing and tension of the belt and says it's right. I read that flushing the engine and changing to 10W30 might fix this, can anyone confirm this. I would love to hear other suggestions too, as I really want this to go away forever.

Finally, I am in need of a trustworthy mechanic who really knows Volvo's in the Greater Boston area. Any suggestions?

thanks,

sse

 

The vaccum pump is mounted under the hood like below the main fuse panel.
Not sure of a number. But it is crome looking.

For the code a flush might be needed if there is sludge build up in the engine.

 

I suggested the flush to my mechanic and he was against it (though he would do it if pressed). He said it could cause some sort of bearing problems? It needed an oil change anyway, so he said he would do that (with synthetic, which is what we started using last oil change) and he would check the (new) solenoid for sludge.

Anything else he should check?

Honestly, I may be in need of a new mechanic. Any suggestions for Greater Boston area?

thanks

sse

 

I would try the flush.
These engines are known to sludge up.
Very bad call for Volvo to make the oil changes for every 7,500 miles.
The turbo's should be every 3,000 miles.

Sorry don't know about the Boston area I am in Florida.

 

When I first got my S40, I got the P0014 code almost every day. I would clear it and it would come right back on. I know the previous owner did not use high quality oil, so the first chance I got, I went to 5W30 full synthetic. Then it would not come on for about a week. Now coming up to my next oil change, I haven't seen the fault code for a few months. It seems to be working itself out. Hope this helps.

 

I also use 5w30 fully synthetic. Mobil One 15,000 mile extended life. Costs about $6.50 a quart. I go the full 15k between changes too. With about 115k miles on the car I have not had that particular fault show up. The car is driven everyday, all day. Some short trips, some a little longer. (wife is greeting card rep and goes to different stores) At least I know what to look for should it rear it's ugly head.

 

Did you (65Mustang) look at your solenoid by chance? I am wondering if you had/have the sludge build up.

This is my second synthetic change. Hopefully this will help my car too.

sse

 

I did not. I saw through the filler neck what was clinging to the internals, like black film. I figured if it was here, it was everywhere. I hope it helps you too. Not saying it will, or even that it did mine. Just seems like a coincidence. It could be a bad sensor, but try tech's suggestion if the synthetic change doesn't help. Always remember, tech is wise and all knowing. If he doesn't, his best guesses can also be counted on. LOL. If you need help on flush procedures, check the other strings inforum with milk or cream in their headings. If you still need more, just ask. The key in my mind is the ATF. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

I put a quart of ATF into the oil, which was relatively new only 2800 miles on it, and drove about 50 miles. The stuff that came out during the change was filthy. I also removed and sprayed the solenoid with carb cleaner. I also carefully removed the solenoid gasket and cleaned the little circular screen.

I really hope this works. I will keep all posted, and thanks everyone for your advice.

sse

 

Sadly, the light came back on (P0014).

Any other thoughts?

Here are some more details. I was getting five codes. P0014 x 2, P0015 x 2, and the thermostat code.

Replacing the timing belt got rid of both P0015's and one of the P0014's.

Replacing the thermostat got rid of the thermostat code.

I had the mechanic check the timing belt. He said it's at the right tension and is timed correctly.

The solenoid was replaced (~9 months ago).

The solenoid, gasket, and the gasket screen were cleaned.

ATF added to oil, and then oil changed with Synthetic 5W30. This is the second synthetic change.

What's left to check (besides my blood pressure )?

 

Can you check the resistance of the solenoid and check it against a known good one?

 

Sludge still in the engine?

 

Not sure where I would get a known good one, but it might be the case that someone out there already has already done this and knows what the resistance should be. Anyone?

Aside from that, the solenoid was replaced about 9 mos ago. So I am not hopeful that this is the problem.

I will check the solenoid gasket and solenoid again for sludge. Should I take the solenoid apart completely? I didn't do this last time, just gave it a very thorough spraying with carb cleaner.

Any other thoughts? The plugs haven't been changed in a while...