"Engine service required"
 

Hi everyone.
I recently bought a 2003 XC90 with 173k miles and comprehensive service history. Recently as I pulled away from a roundabout there was a faint metallic sounding "ping" and the "engine service required" fault message appeared in the bottom left window of the dashboard. Power is down and black smoke is visible behind when driving under load. A mechanic I know said that because the engine management light hasn't come on, a fault code won't be readable with diagnostic equipment. Is this correct? Also any ideas on the likely problem will be much appreciated.
Just for info I have done a fair bit of diy on my cars over the years so I'd like to have a go at fixing it if possible. Thanks Tony

check your intercooler for splits and leaks

Thanks for your reply..... I'll have a look

In short, no it isn't correct.
From regular experience, Dice and Vida the dedicated Volvo diagnostics system can read and report on faults based only on a warning message and without a yellow or red warning being illuminated.
The clutch or brake position sensor failing and causing an Engine Service Required message and loss of cruise control is one which springs to mind.

Thanks for confirming what I suspected about diagnostic equipment being able to pick up the fault. Would I need to go to a Volvo specialist for an accurate diagnosis? There's an independent near me with a good reputation. My vehicle is automatic and the cruise control is still working.

Sure, if they have Dice and Vida though paying someone else for code reading and diagnosis can add up so if you're into your DIY as many are on here, owning your own system may be more cost effective in the long term.

Just wanted to say thanks to Simmy for his steer in the intercooler direction! I just had my first chance to look in daylight and the outlet hose from the intercooler had blown off. Pushed it back on, tightened up the jubilee clip and normal service is resumed!!! :regular_smile:

great new tony its good when the fix is cheap and simple did you put on a new clip?

Not yet but I'm going to.....