My fiancée's 2008 S40 2.4i suddenly died while driving and wouldn't start again. There was a message that appeared "electrical system problem" or "check electrical system." The power steering also seemed to go out before the car died, is this normal for "limp" mode in a Volvo? I have removed and tested both the starter and the alternator, both passed the test. The battery and fuses are all fine as well. I don't know anything about Volvo's and haven't been able to find a similar issue on the forums or else where. The car also suffered from a leaky sunroof about a year ago, not sure if they could have caused an unnoticed electrical issue that would be connected to this. Thanks in advance.

 

You should have a scan done by a shop with a VIDA DICE system. It sounds like you may have a CEM issue that a VIDA scan can help diagnose.

If I'm not mistaken, the 2008 S40s use an electric PS pump. The power steering loss is likely related - ie a failure in the electric pump or the controller or either's power source.

 

I called a local volvo shop before attempting things myself about a quote on replacing the alternator, when I thought that was the issue and they never returned my call. So I just started going at it myself. I will try to find a way to get a scan done.

 

Wouldn't start again meaning -

The starter was spinning the engine over and it would not catch or

The starter would not engage and try to start the engine?

Died while driving - the battery will go dead if alternator is not charging and electrical stuff will shut off as the battery is going dead to keep the engine running as long as possible (will even shut off power to the power steering)

I understand you "removed and tested both the alternator and starter" - that's a lot of work to just test them. The alternators are known to fail on those when they get hot - Do you have a volt meter?

What voltage is in the battery? Did you have that charged and tested also?

 

I tried jumping the car before towing it and nothing. After I put the alternator back and before I took the starter out, I tried jumping it again and just got the knock or clank noise that a bad starter makes. All the electronics were turning on but the engine wasn't turning over.

 

Your battery went dead, and could be bad. Remove and test the battery if you don't have a voltmeter. If you do measure the battery voltage static and when you try to start the car - I'd bet it goes down close to Zero volts with starter engaged. Starters rarely go bad, they are very reliable.