Volvo S70 Made from 1998 to 2000, this sporty model replaced the 850 sedan and instantly became a hit.

ABS Light

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Old Nov 2, 2005 | 11:39 PM
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Default ABS Light

I have a 1998 Volvo S70 GLT. My ABS light comes on once in a while and then shuts off. The local mechanic ran the codes and nothing came up. Does Volvo have a special ABS code reader, do I have to go to the dealer? What can I do to troubleshoot the problem before I go to the dealer?
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 01:07 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

I will tell you from my experiance that the module is most likely bad. Try to get the codes red when the light is on. I will bet that a code for the R/R sensor will come up and a pump motor code.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 02:10 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Are you referring to the ABS Control Unit (Module?)? From my research, I have found that the control module failing is the most common problem. Is there a way for a Volvo Dealer to get the code if the ABS light is on randomly? I found a site that sells refurbished units for under $200 while a new unit is around $500.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 08:22 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

The dealer should be able to pull codes if the lights isn't on it usually stores codes.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 11:01 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Are the ABS codes stored differently than other codes? Does the dealer have a special code reader that pulls ABS codes that can't be pulled by other scanners?
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 11:08 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Most aftermarket cheap scanners will only read Engine codes.
The expensive scanners will read the trans,ABS,SRS and other modules.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 11:11 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Thank you. I will have to make the 150 mile round trip to the closest dealer.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2005 | 11:47 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Some indy's have a scanner that will read them. But that is a $3000.00 scanner.

Try to find out if one near you has a Snap-On scanner and that should do it.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 03:28 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

I've had the same thing happen over the last 6 months. Haven't noticed any other problems from the brakes.
 
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 09:34 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

When it goes bad the only thing it does is disable the ABS system.
 
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Old Nov 5, 2005 | 05:11 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Try this link before you drive.

http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/
 
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Old Nov 6, 2005 | 06:43 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Okay, I just did my brakes with new rotors and pads all around. I used my compressor to clean around the entire wheel assemblies and made every effort to clear debri from the ABS wheel sensors with the air. My ABS light has not come back on in 2 days and the ABS system seems to work fine when I did some high speed panic stops and low speed loose sand (we have a lot of that here in 29 Palms, CA) stops.

Could a dirty sensor have been the cause of the light coming on?
 
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Old Nov 6, 2005 | 09:28 PM
  #13  
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Default RE: ABS Light

Possible but I doubt it.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2005 | 11:14 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light

I have the same problem with my 98 t5. I had a repair shop read the codes and it came back as a problem with the rear wheel sensors. However, 99% of what I've researched says it is the ABS unit which tends to crack due to aging. Lately it seems like on rainy or wet days I get no lights until I drive for an extended period. I figure the engine heat dries off the board. with moisture present I figure there is better conductivity which overcomes the mini cracks that may be present. this is all a calculated guess but before winter I want the trac control to work and I'm gonna have my mechanic replace the unit and disregard the code. If I had a place and better mechanical skills I would try and do it myself but everytime I perform a do it your selfer...I wish I hadn't. thats just me though
 
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Old Nov 9, 2005 | 11:31 PM
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Default RE: ABS Light


ORIGINAL: lenniefoug

I have the same problem with my 98 t5. I had a repair shop read the codes and it came back as a problem with the rear wheel sensors. However, 99% of what I've researched says it is the ABS unit which tends to crack due to aging. Lately it seems like on rainy or wet days I get no lights until I drive for an extended period. I figure the engine heat dries off the board. with moisture present I figure there is better conductivity which overcomes the mini cracks that may be present. this is all a calculated guess but before winter I want the trac control to work and I'm gonna have my mechanic replace the unit and disregard the code. If I had a place and better mechanical skills I would try and do it myself but everytime I perform a do it your selfer...I wish I hadn't. thats just me though
Check out this site to get it rebuilt. I think he also gives instructions on how to remove it. It is Easy to get it out.
http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/...vo_V70_ABS.htm
 
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Old Nov 15, 2005 | 01:08 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Tech,

You were correct, the problem did not go away. Just after my last post the ABS light came back on. I decided to replace the ABS Control Unit with a rebuilt one and the problem is gone. The ABS worked with the old unit, but I noticed much more aggressive ABS braking after the replacement and the ABS light has not come on since. I found a rebuilt unit from Volvo Parts Direct (do a search for brake parts for your year and model car) for $181.76 (shipping included). I was a little concerned with ordering the "Programa" unit, but when it came (in 2 days) it was a rebuilt OEM Volvo ABS Control Unit (ATE). The install was easy, I used the instruction from a Volvo ABS Control Unit rebuild site. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2005 | 02:03 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Don't they advertise the same module for like $95 on this site?
 
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Old Nov 16, 2005 | 01:49 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

alecw81,

Where did you see a $95 ABS Control Unit?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2006 | 10:34 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

A Canadian source for re-built abs modules http://www.absmodules.ca
 
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Old Jan 26, 2006 | 10:56 AM
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Default RE: ABS Light

Good info, but the rebuilt ABS module from Volvo Parts Direct was about $185 plus a $100 core charge. This site is charging $269, plus a $100 core charge. Not sure if they are talking Canadian or U.S. dollars, but with the current rate it is still more expensive from http://www.absmodules.ca. I wanted to find out where alecw81 found the $95 module.
 
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