I have a 2002 Volvo S80 T6 - Executive Edition. The check engine light came on with a camshaft code. I cleared it and it went away. Then I took it to the dealership to have a spare key programmed (with the computer download) and it came back. I had the camshaft sensor replaced and it went away for months. Then I used the tv in the backconsoletoo long (without the engine being on) and drained the battery. After I jumped the car, the check engine light came back on with a camshaft code again. Any ideas on what's going on? Is it really a camshaft issue or could it be an electrical issue, since this code is being provoked by some sort of battery jump or computer download (spare key)?

 

Could be a voltage problem I would clear the code and see if it comes back.

 

Thanks for the response.If it is a voltage issue, would it be an expensive repair? Is there a particular calibration or simple solution to fix it?

 

Not really I would just clear it an see what happens. The computers use alot of power. When you have low voltage the computers go wacky.

 

Thought I posted a response, but I guess it didn't go through. I reset the code and it came back two start-up's later. Am I going to have to simply get used to the light being on? I do know that a few months ago (around 100,000 miles) the check engine light came on, but the OBDII didn't recognize the code. Then it went away on its own after a week. I don't wanna spend money un-necessarily if there's nothing really wrong with the car and it won't lead to a bigger problem. Any theories? What would be my options?

Also, how can you tell if there is sludge? I cannot detect any performance issues. The oil cap was slightly sticky when I bought the vehicle (with 100k miles), so I just wiped it off and it hasn't come back.

 

What exactly was the code it is setting?
This way I can look it up and make sure I give all the proper info.

 

014 for sure and I think 011

 

Below is a screen shot of what it says for the code.

You might want to remove the reset valves and check for sludge in them.
See the possible cause list any one of those can cause the code.
It is the same info for both codes.

 

Thanks a bundle!!! I'll try that and let you know what comes up!!!

 

Upon plugging in the OBDII to clear the code, I noticed that the message screen said "low battery voltage." I'm hoping that that is all that's wrong. It's in line with your original assessment, which looks to be spot on. I'm hoping that sludge is not an issue - especially since the car performs VERY well.

a) Could the cold weather be causing the voltage issue (I'm in Michigan and don't drive the Volvo much in the winter; I just let it idle for a few minutes every few days)? Would replacing the battery solve the problem?

b) I'm getting mixed reviews about how to deal with sludge. I'm hoping that it's just the voltage issue, but if not, should I use one of those engine flush formulas? Would changing the oil every 2,000 miles for about 10,000 miles take care of it instead?

 

Have the battery load tested that will tell you if it is bad. If it is weak maybe it is causing the problem.

As far as the sludge it can be a major pain to get it all out.
You can try a mild cleaner and change the oil every 2K and see if that helps.

 

Ok. When I bought the vehicle, the oil was very dirty. Because my mechanic didn't have the properly-sized tool to remove the oil cap, we just changed the oil and left the filter on till the next oil change - because it needed to be changed. So I changed the oil this weekend and the oil filter. I stuck my finger through the drain hole (that sounds nasty) and felt the bottom of the oil pan. Felt smooth as could be - no sludge, no grime, no burnt glaze. My mechanic said that if there is sludge, the oil filter should reflect that - especially since it had approximately 8k - 10k on that same filter. When we got it off, he said there was absolutely no sign of sludge in the old filter - not even a speck. He did confirm that it was dirty as hell after 8k - 10k, but none of it was sludge. So I'm hoping that this means there really is no sludge and that the dealership just looked looked at the original fault code and mileage and determined that's what it had to be. They tried to sell me a coils and plugs too and I didn't need either. Good thing I didn't fall for it. To my delight, the engine light went off the same day that I changed the oil and filter. Coincidentally, it was also our warmest day of the winter - about 40 degrees plus. Not sure whether it was the temperature keeping the voltage low or a very dirty filter possibly triggering the code. Either way, I hope it never comes back for any reason.

 

I will keep my fingers crossed for you.