Volvo V70 ABS light on, speedometer dead, going to safe mode and loosing power with possible check engine light on
This happens in the beginning of the fall. It could be quite scary. The ABS light comes on randomly and as it persists the speedometer goes dead at zero while doing 60-80mph. As it persists the Volvo goes into safe mode (not passing third gear), looses power and eventually check engine light comes on. Possible codes P1057, P0600, P1081, P0722, P1054 and as usual most of them are only detected by the special Volvo code readers.
The problem is in the ABS module touching somewhere due to vibration and returning short signal. You can replace the whole ABS module which will cost several hundred dollars or use this easy fix described by Enes. I used a folded Wal-Mart card that is still doing the trick for our Volvo V70.
Having a problem with Abs and Traction control is not a rarity on a V70/S70 Volvo. It is a common and expensive problem caused mostly by the Abs Module. The right way to fix this is to get a new one put in. It does not come cheap though, it’s over $400 for a new one and $200 to rebuild
Is there a way to go around it? Yes, there is(sometimes). I tried this”unorthodox repair” on a 1998 V70 and it worked. Actually it’s still working 13 months later. It’s cheap and it required 15min of my time. Abs Module is located on the left side of engine compartment under the fuse box. Good news is…you don’t have to remove it at all.
The whole idea consist on putting some space between Abs pump and the Module. It can be done with almost everything: wood, cardboard, plastic. In my case I used a scrap piece of plastic.
Take the spacer and push it between the pump and the module. Make sure it stays tight and won’t fall while driving.
There we go..no Abs and Tracks light anymore and it’s working fine.
I tried this method on 3 different Volvo’s with the same problem and it worked fine on 2 of them. No guaranties though but you lose nothing by trying it anyway.
Now, don’t forget to clear your check engine light if it is still ON!
I tried this myself thinking this will not work but too my surprise I have been going strong.
And it has been 4 days now. I put the spacer in by using half of a battery cover off of one of my sons remote control card that didn’t work. I went to the local oreilys and had the codes erased and usually in some hours the lights comeback but so far so good. My e5 torx just came in the mail and some of you know where I was about to send this part. Saved me $125
I have the UK version where the fluid reservoir is separate. ABS seems to be under fuse box as described. But how do I move the fuse box? Thanks
We never moved the fuse box. Just inserted the plastic spacer. That’s all
Your a genius! This simple repair worked for me. Thank you.
Brilliant! Inserted plastic spacer. Immediately solved problem. Took 5 minutes and saved me a huge repair bill.
Hey whoever discovered this deserves a medal / hug.
Worked for me, I guess it pushes the loose contacts to a firm state.
Have read elsewhere that the dry solder joints shorting will kill the whole ABS unit over time, mine has been on/ off for over a year, more on than off now.
THANKS to writer / discovery.
Milo.
Thanks so much. I am a mechanic of 30 years and I always try the easy things first to say my customers money. ABS light went right out and we will see how it goes. Thanks again Todd
Thanks it worked for me going for month now
I did it yesterday. Thank you. It works like a charm.
Well, that worked. Spent 20 minutes looking at the chilton’s and couldn’t find the problem. Looked here and bam, problem solved. Thanks. You’re awesome!
Hello,
It works on my v70 2.0T 1998, I think contacts became right dued cover bend.
SRS and engine failure lights still on.
Rgds
Thanks it works just fine for me to !!!
Martins,
for the “SRS and engine failure” lights you will need to reset/clear all codes and they will go away. On older models, like your 1998, sometimes (but not always) driving for 20min. over 50mph clears the codes. The engine failure appear only after the ABS light comes on 3 consecutive times. Also, if not taken care of, the whole car goes into limp mode and you cannot drive it over 30mph or 3,000 RPMs
I think this might be the problem we have been having with our 03 Volvo XC70. Does a car clunk/jerk/hesitate when going into safe mode? All the symptoms described above are happening usually with a clunk. Then it drives fine, but lights remain on and dash dead until restarted.
It only took me 15 seconds to place a credit card between the pump and module. Could I have done something wrong?
thanks, your a genius, yes it is the vibration caused by worn cv joint axles and the cold solder
in the module. But the spacer worked great. aloha & mahalo
Had all these signs & did the half clothes peg tip and—Bingo all going well after 7 days a many miles. Thank you a million, but why should this solve the issue?
Genius !!! That worked just fine, took less then 5 minutes and it saved me $300 thanks!!!
Ty, this work like a charm. I used as spacer a trimmed dental floss case 😀
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Does this work on the 03 models?
Got a 2000 volvo s70 been having that limp mode issue for months was about ready to just get rid of it stumbled upon this and now it’s been shifting perfectly fine and no problems with the speedometer going dead. Wow such a simple fix probably saved hundreds hope it lasts
You’re a genius! Worked perfectly with plastic card on 2002 V70
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AMAZING!!! Thank you so much.
I cant believe this worked. Incredible. Ive been driving for several days and so far so good. Thank Youuuuuu
IF this problems persists, here’s the PERMANENT FIX (recommended) for Sticking ABS Module Unit DIY Permanent Fix Refurbished Replacement Exchange for 1999 Volvo V70 Station Wagon http://ourvolvo.com/sticking-abs-unit-diy-permanent-fix-for-volvo-v70/
Will this work on my 2000 v70 se?
Is it V70 NR or a more loaded model?
it should work for sometimes BUT eventually it’s best to replace the ABS model.
We have a great post DIY for under $100
Good luck