I have a 2000 S40 1.9T that has 62K miles on it. I just took it to my local Volvo dealer due to it having a recall on parts of the breaking system. While it was there, I asked them to see why my check engine light recently came back on and that the car had also just started "bogging" down occasionally. All of this was new, just happend in the last week. Well, they tell me that I need an engine flush/purge that my codes of ECM 60 and ECM A1 is something to do with the sensors involving my cam. I checked my records on my car and just had the engine flushed/purged on 07/16/2006 due to this same problem and same codes. Since they did this back in 2006, the engine light has remained off. So I called the place where I took it last time for the flush/purge, which is a local Volvo repair shop, and they said they do not recommend me to do any flush/purge but I need to consider something where they take the pan off completely and do some type of cleaning that way. I can't remember what they called it but it was about the same price for either this service or the flush/purge at Volvo. He said that if this is not what I wanted to do then I should definitely do my 60k check up and install a new thermostat. He said this check up may clear it up or tell us if something else needed to be done. I am by no means a "mechanical" person so I am at a loss here. My wife and I just had our first child and I am trying to watch my money but still do what needs to be done as long as it will fix the problem and I am not doing some procedure that is just a waste of money. Could anyone please give me some advice? I thank you for your time.

 

It's been a couple of years since I addressed these types of problems on an S40, but these recommendations sound fishy.

ECM A1 is most likely the thermostat is sticking open. You can verify by watching the engine temp when you start the car, see if it takes londer than normal to get to operating temperature. I believe there was a SW update for this DTC from Volvo when these cars were under warranty, I'm not sure if it still applies.

I can't remember what the ECM 60 refers to.

The 60k service may be needed, but it will unlikely address the DTC's.

Hope this helps,

B

 

Thank you for the info, they said the ECM 60 is referring to possible issues with my cam. They said that with either of the suggested procedures it could clear this up or I could even need to replace my cam. Have no idea what this would cost either or what it entails. As for the temp, on a cold morning like today (39 degrees at 7am) it takes my care a good 10+ minutes to warm up. To do the 60k check up, the dealer cost was almost $600 and the local Volvo repair shop is around $350 and around $400 with adding a new thermostat. What does anyone recommend doing at this point? Thank you-

 

I believe it has to do with the variable valve timing system. This can be a timing issue (crankshaft/camshaft timing ), or a problem with the camshaft timing control valve and/or wiring. Have you had any work done lately to the engine?

Oil condition can be an issue too. Have you had the oil changed regularly?

I'm not familiar with the "engine flush/purge" they are suggesting.

As with any shop, tell them you want the problems diagnosed! It sounds like they are guessing with alot of your money and not performing any proper diagnosis. Technicians all have to make educated guesses, but that should be after they have taken the time to use the recources and tools available to them. Some are quick to sell you expensive services with the hopes that that will fix your problem. When all the problems are diagnosed and repaired, then suggest that you may have the 60k done, but not before.

B

 

Thank you again for taking the time to reply. I have not had any work done recently to the engine. In the last year and half, the only work completed was last week at the dealership just for a recall they had on parts of the breaking system.

As for the oil changed regularly, I have to be honest, I have not been the best at doing this every 3k-5k miles. Right now I am at 6k and need to have this done. Was going to take it yesterday to get done but if I have to do the 60k now, it is going to get done in this.

As for diagnosing the problem, the dealer says they put it on the machine and this is the exact wording they came back with and gave me. "Checked for fault codes, there was a ECM 60 reset valve camshaft faulty signal. The engine oil needs to be purged. There was a ECM A1 ECT faulty. Need T stat performed A ECM software upgrade. May need a Cam gear and ECT sensor."

As I stated before, I have no idea what any of this means due to not being mechanically inclined at all. I just want someone to tell me what is the best/right thing to do for me and my family. My infant has to ride in this car and it worries me now. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated. Thank you-

 

I have seen several CVVT hub (cam sprocket on exhaust) gone bad usually replacement will fix problem. The original suggestion was to do several oil change to clean and flush engine.. then if it comes back on replace or clean the CVVT solenoid and add a gasket with a filter built in to filter out debris going into solenoid... Last but I've found most effective is to replace CVVT cam sprocket . The software upgrade will help a bit to compansate for stuck open thermostat but it will not fix the problem totally. i hope that help

 

You need to change the oil regulary= 3,000-3,500 miles. It can be a real problem for these motors. It just needs to be done. I don't recommend synthenic motor oils an account of there extra cost.

For your ECM 60 code, engine oil quality does play a part. But at this point the damage is probably done. You will need theCVVT hub and maybe the solenoid mncx talked about. Ifyou do it all at the same time youmay get labor discounton the solenoid.Is it worth it to do the oil flush? Its debatable (sp?)

Your ECM A1 code, yeah a thremostat at the least. The software will help with a 'false positive' in the future. The sensor can develope corrosion and may need to be replaced.

Asfor someone who doesn't do their own work. Bea good negotiator.

 

I have also seen a bad Cam sensor a couple of times throw that code.

 

The Volvo repair shop wants to go ahead and do the 60K mile chek-up and install a new thermostat, they said this would cost around $400. Should I do the 60K check-up or should I give them your information and just have them check the CVT hub and solenoid? I am really torn as to spending the $400 and the check-up is no good. Not sure if it is a waste of money. What should I expect to pay if the CVT hub and solenoid need to be repaired? Last, should I just tell them to check out the car, not do the 60K check-up and let them tell me what is wrong or do they need to do the check-up to find out? How much should a cam sensor replacement cost me as tech talked about? Thank you-

I have my appointment this Friday to drop off the car and just want to know any suggestions on what to do.

 

Holy Cow! $400? Oh my, how I hate dealer shop prices. The thermostat and gasket are about $10 from the local parts store. Takes about 5 minutes to change. Might need a couple ounces of anti-freeze to top off the car after as you will lose a little with the t-stat out. Find a neighbor with a 10mm socket and a little mechanical skills and buy him a six pack for helping.

60k mile check? Not with my money. Get a good oil change with Mobil One 5W-30 fully synthetic oil and a good quality filter (1.9 has the filter element type, easy to change with the right tool for the filter housing). I could show you how to do it in 10 minutes. Never pay someone for the real simple stuff. It will save you tons of money.

EDIT: Buy a manual and learn about your car. It's a cheap investement. www.ipdusa.com sells a european version of the Haynes manual. It's the only one I have found so far for the early S40's.

 

Thanks Hudini for the information. I wish I knew someone that I could go to as you suggested. Hell, I would buy a case of beer! Unfortunately I am new to my area and state for that matter and do not know a soul. Just now meeting my co-workers. Besides all the issues with the service engine light on due to it being time for scheduledmaintenance (60k check up)and the check engine light on due to the ECM codes, I am now experiencing hesitation in the car. Whenever I come to a stop and push on the gas to excel it hesitates and "bogs down" a little. I know I am way overdue for the oil change but I waited now this long because of the scheduled 60k check up this Friday. Does anyone have any thoughts about my post below on the CVT and solenoid repair cost and if I should do this instead of the check up? Or just do the check up and see what they find?

 

I would use only volvo parts, if your doing it yourself, your saving more than enough to pay for them, and you wont have to deal with the problems after market parts can have. I've fixed many cars that someone put cheap plugs, oil filters, air filters etc. and after putting the correct parts in, the car was fixed. If you look at how they are built, you can see the quality!

Are there some good alternatives, yes, in some cases, but I need pretty good evidence that it's worth it. Take for example the heater cores by Behr, they are the same volvo cores, but without the volvo name on it! Good Deal!

Also many of the Volvo original parts are available online, at less expensive prices

 

The 60K is more than just an oil change.
It is the Major tune up.

 

Unfortunately you may be stuck with the dealer if you don't have anywhere else to go. I feel for you. I too have been in a strange city with a new job and had to take my car to the (Dodge) dealer. It was a $500 mistake but I learned my lesson. Said the ECM was bad. Turned out to be the fuel pump. (another $245 for a $75 pump) If you can, look around for someone who specializes in either foreign cars or Volvos. My town (Knoxville, TN) has a Volvo junkyard and the gentleman who owns it also does Volvo repairs. Might get lucky wherever you are.

Personally, stuff like oil, filters, plugs, thermostats, gaskets, etc do not need to be Volvo parts. Those are common consumables and available for far less than the dealer charges. A $400 tune up? That is a crime.