2005 XC70 Cost of DIFFERENTIAL ELECTRONIC MODULE Replacement

[SYS]

Recently, a warning message came on, "Anti-Skid Service Required" on my 2005 XC70. When I took it to my local dealer shop, the diagnostic result stated that its DEM failed internally and needed replacing. The shop needed it ordered and I needed to pay in advance in the amount of $2559.31 just for the part. I was surprised that a new DEM cost this much and would like your verification that it does indeed cost this much.

[XC70Bob]

Hi.

As this is a UK based forum asking for a US price may not get you many relevant answers. might I suggest http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/ which seems to have more users from your side of the pond.

Hope I have not broken any forum rules.


I from my own experience of replacing a DEM on my XC70 Volvo prices for new replacement was in £1000+ range, got mine as a refurbishment from an independent supplier for much less.

[bugeye]

I have read a failed DEM may be caused by a failed Haldex pump. Look up XeMODeX as they refurbish some Volvo electronic components and may have a list of things to check. The DEM is easy to access under the car. XeMODeX refurbished the central electronics module, CEM, on our 2004 XC70. Well pleased.

[oragex]

The shop is too expensive, why not calling a few Volvo dealers and ask them for a quote. Side note, replacing it is a 15 min job if I'm not wrong. But as mentioned, don't expect anything below $1500 US for parts only. Xemodex has a page about the DEM corrosion, depending how advanced it it may or not be repaired.

DEM is caused by poor sealing leading to corrosion of the circuit board, wide spread problem in countries with salt on roads.

BUT... be aware of places replacing parts without having a clue - a wide spread issue on these cars when they show warning messages. You may definitely want to be patient, search the forums and read as much information possible. Anti skid can well be caused by a simple broken reluctor ring.

[Simon Jones]

Double check the axle bolts on the front driveshafts just inside the wheel centre caps. Loose bolt will also trigger the message you're getting. Are you able test the AWD is working, perhaps on some wet grass for example?

[ewatson18260]

I had the problem with the anti skid service required, took to a Volvo dealer today as the MOT is due in one months time and will fail with the warning light on, was diagnosed as the control unit needs replacing at a nice price of £1718

With The car being 2004 and not even worth that much I started to get depressed as how to get the money together to get a new car before the MOT is expired, the mechanic then told me “off the record, you didn’t hear this from me” that if I removed the propshaft, and rear differential that it will run perfectly as a FWD car and get rid of the problem, which should make it pass the MOT, has anyone had any experience at this and whether it’s a viable plan that will work???

Many thanks in advance for any advice/help

[Clan]

Originally Posted by ewatson18260

I had the problem with the anti skid service required, took to a Volvo dealer today as the MOT is due in one months time and will fail with the warning light on, was diagnosed as the control unit needs replacing at a nice price of £1718

With The car being 2004 and not even worth that much I started to get depressed as how to get the money together to get a new car before the MOT is expired, the mechanic then told me “off the record, you didn’t hear this from me” that if I removed the propshaft, and rear differential that it will run perfectly as a FWD car and get rid of the problem, which should make it pass the MOT, has anyone had any experience at this and whether it’s a viable plan that will work???

Many thanks in advance for any advice/help

That's a bodge that may well leave you with a permanent fault code and a car not fit for it's purpose regarding insurance , I would find another garage who knows what he is doing .. You can get your DEM repaired for a reasonable cost .

[Bonefishblues]

Why might there be insurance problems?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Bonefishblues

Why might there be insurance problems?

you have to declare anything at all these days which is not to original manufacturers specification and if the rear wheels are not able to be driven the computers do not know this ,The traction control and anti-Skid won't work and it may affect the braking too in emergency situations hence the messege in your dash .. that is why it will fail MOT if not working , A Safety issue .

[oragex]

As above, the DEM can be repaired by Xemodex in the US and perhaps by other shops near your location. Not cheap but surely not even close to a new module cost.

https://xemodex.com/us/product/diffe...6001749-10-20/
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/archi.../t-100774.html


But given the age of your car, you need to know that the mechanical part of the AWD system may also be already compromised as well. The sum of repairs may not be economical for such an old car, so at this point it would be more a matter of having a working car. On the Xemodex site they also talk about the compatibility of used DEM modules, maybe try to search on Ebay for a used unit.