S40 (New) General : Power System Service Urgent!!

[homer timpson]

My wife has just tried to start her 04 54 S40SE and it would turn over and 'start' - struggle - and cut out within seconds.

This happened a few times so I told her to leave it 5 minutes and try again [never had any problems starting the car].

After 5 minutes she tried it again and it went 1st turn - but again, didn't really start with any real gusto - and there was a distinct 'whine' coming from the engine bay. I jumped in to take it for a run round the block and immediately noticed the info panel was reading " Power System Service Urgent" and the battery light was on.

I put it straight back onto the dive and thought I'd post on here asap.

Where do I go from here - other than get the AA out

Homer

[Metblackrat]

I had exactly the same.

It needed a new alternator and that had killed the battery as well.

I'm afraid the invoice said £819 (got it here) but it was done under warranty.

[homer timpson]

Not good news

Took it for a spin an hour ago - it started without a problem but still with the whine.
Got 2 miles down the road before the battery light and "Power System Service Urgent" came on again.

Will take it into my local mechanic tomorrow morning - £819 scares the pants off me - and, off course, it's out of warranty.

Cheers

Homer

[mjcourtney]

There is a known issue with the power steering motors, the usual symptom is a whining noise when turning the wheel. Volvo replaced the motor on mine under warranty and i've had no problems since.

[homer timpson]

Originally Posted by mjcourtney

There is a known issue with the power steering motors, the usual symptom is a whining noise
when turning the wheel. Volvo replaced the motor on mine under warranty and i've had no problems since.

Thanks for the reply - I don't think it is the PSM, the engine whines whilst stationary and it doesn't
change whilst turning the wheels

I'm just back fro the mechanics who ran a voltmeter across the battery and his initial impression
is that the battery 'aint being charged by the alternator [the battery itself looked OK].

He's having a full look at lunchtime - but looks like a new alternator after 27,000 miles

Off to price them up right now.

Homer

[mjcourtney]

Ah ok, different problem, same symptom! lol

Volvo don't seem to be having much luck with their motors / alternators. I've had the air con compressor, power steering motor and alternator replaced on mine (all under warranty) after they were all fitted with the wrong sized bearings at the factory and gradually destroyed themselves. The first sign of wear on all of them was excess noise.

Hope you get it sorted for not too much cash!

[Janessatorres]

Hey my Volvo s40 has power system service urgent on the dash board, this is the 3rd time this has happen to me the cars motor has been replaced as well as the belts. This time the belts do not look broken, also it says immobilizer on the dashboard, any help please ? My car is not under warranty and I'm 4 months pregnant. My husband and I need some help