I have a 2002 S60 T5 with manual trans. I got a message that says "reduced engine performance." The vehicle went into failsafe mode and wouldn't let me rev more than 2k. Sometimes a code is generated for Throttle Body Stuck Closed or Open. I took it to a reliable mechanic and he traced it to the ignition switch where once the message came on after starting the engine, he quickly turned it off and on again and the message went away and the vehicle operated normally. After replacing the ignition switch, I drove it for a couple of days without issue. Now, every morning, I get the same message, and I quickly turn off and on the engine and am able to drive it normally. I called the dealership. They told me I need my throttle body replaced (which also requires them to reprogram it so an external mechanic wouldn't be able to do it.) They quoted me about $1,000! After speaking to another mechanic, he mentioned that the ignition coils may be shorting (which I had replaced about a year ago) and it may not be the throttle body at all since it's not happening every time I start the engine... just the first time I start it each day. Does this make sense to anyone? Am I doing more damage by "bypassing" this failsafe mode and driving it? Any info would be appreciated. I tried looking for the throttle body to open it and clean it, but it is buried somewhere. I think it is difficult to get to since it is a turbo. Should I just eat the $1,000 and take it to the dealership? What if it isn't the throttle body? Then I'm out $1,000!!

 

Be that as it may need a new throttle, they need to check software for it, they will check your oil trap and see if it is faulty as well, they should.

The throttle probably will need software, but it can be installed by you or someone else and some way or another get it back to the shop, it will be cheaper but more of a hassle. I am not 100% that if you install it without software, it will or will not be driveable temporarily.

 

Just an FYI Volvo had a voluntary recall (actually they just extended the warrenty to 10 years) on the throttle bodies. I had the same issues with mine and Volvo replaced it for FREE ( I love that kind of bill from a shop). So i would give them a call and they can run the vin to see if the throttle body has been replaced on yours.

 

Yes, I hear about this also and called the dealer and gave them my VIN. They said that it only covered 1999-2001 vehicles. Mine is a 2002. They ran the VIN and said that it would not be covered.

 

yeah if it has an ETM then they can warranty it if its in the mileage and year. They are notorious for getting carbon buildup from a clogged oil trap. try cleaning the throttle. check the oil trap. your crankcase should have a good amount of vacuum. if it does not then replace it and clean your throttle

 

I want to try cleaning it, but I can't even find it. It's BURIED under the intake since it is a T5 turbo! I would have to take everything apart to get to it. In any case, if I quickly turn off the engine and then turn it on again, I am able to drive it normally (without failsafe mode and reduced engine power.) Also, the RPM is not eratic.... which leads me to believe that it is not a dirty/clogged throttle. I really think it is something else, but have no idea where to begin.

 

There's a very good "sticky" on this thanks to Johnny Mullett who, as I recall, decided he'd had enough of Volvos driving him crazy (such as why is PCV replacement a one minute job on most cars versus the massive procedure it is on Volvo cars?) which I think is the the general area. Mr. M. is now a Geo Metro hypermiler of all things! Anyway, look at that sticky before you decide on doing this one yourself.

 

I have any issue with uneven ideling from time to time but no messgages come onto the system. I cleaned the carbon out of the throttle body and it still does it. If you are having an issue that gets a temporary fix from turning the car off then on, that seems like the computer reset is correcting the issue, so a software or switch problem seems most likely. If it was a stuck throttle plate, then turning it off then on would do nothing

 

On that note, anyone else have any issue with their volvo idle fluctuating? it does it regaardless of the a/c being on or off.

 

Yeah, I have a rough idle on my 02 S60 2.4T. I've replaced spark plugs, air filter, battery, alternator, timing belt, and PCV system in the last few months. None of it has made a bit of difference. My rough idle happens regardless of if the car is hot or cold, A/C or not. It runs fine until I come to a stop light, then after 10 to 15 seconds of idling it starts to feel like it's misfiring. Sometimes it's much worse than others. I don't get any CEL light or codes, so I'm having a tough time diagnosing it.

I do occasionally get a "reduced engine performance" message in the message center while driving, but there is absolutely no change in the way the car drives during that time, and the message only stays on for a few seconds. I've never gotten the message during idle.

edit: also, my "reduced engine performance" message started coming on way before I had the rough idle problem. It started at about 95,000 miles after I had the transmission replaced under warranty. My rough idle problem started at about 120,000 miles.

 

i have a 2001 s60 volvo with a bad throttle body- ron newton volvo flashed the computer and did not replace the throttle body on june 28,2006-at my s60 volvo had 66,528 miles. at 127,224 miles and 10 years old, the throttle body died. On dec 2006 ron newton volvo went out of business- i was not sent any information about this recall on the throttle body. i now have a very nice looking dead s60 volvo that will call me about $1000 to $1200 to fix and with the factor that i have to tow the s60 volvo about 70 to 100 miles to the closet volvo dealer to get any work on it. i am asking everyone-is this fair to me or any other volvo owner? any help on this problem will be most helpful-kim richardson-parrots06@gmail.com