So the other day I got an urgent warning that the power system needed service, along with the battery light. I replaced the battery because it is probably old anyway, but that didn't fix the issue. My assumption was either the alternator, or more probably, that loose screw that seems common in the drive pulley. However, the shop is telling me I have a CEM that is acting weird, and I need a new one. They would be happy to put in a new one and program it for the low low price of $2200. Obviously I'm not doing that on a $3200 vehicle. Of course, they are using brand new Volvo parts, etc. The $600 programming fee seems a little nuts though.

I'm not 100% convinced that's what it is either, so I may take it somewhere else to get a second opinion, but even if it is I don't think I going to use a new CEM at dealer prices.
I see places that have cloning services, you just send them the old one and a new one and they'll clone it over. Here's my question: Volvo lists a part number for my vehicle (2008 3.2) and also a supersession number, so at one point they've moved to a new version. I have no idea what the difference is, but can I clone one to the other? Or do I have to have the identical part number, despite both parts being compatible with my car?

I ask because I found "new in box" items of both old and new numbers, and the old one is significantly cheaper. I am trying to minimize downtime, so I wanted to order everything and set it up before I take it the one out of my vehicle.

 

Sadly, according to Xemodex, you do have to have identical hardware p/n for the cloning to work. Rats....

 

FYI, just to put a bow on this thing...it was the alternator. Not going back to that shop again ever!