S80 Dynamic Chassis Service Required

[Arnold Layne]

Hello all,

My S80 has the dynamic chassis, and after 8 years, eventually I've had this error message:

Dynamic chassis service required

I read the codes with my Vida Dice, and it says that the right rear Damper has 3 trouble codes:
SUM- C110F18: Right Rear damper Solenoid general electrical failures - circuit current below threshold

C110F12 - Circuit short to battery
and
C110F13 -Circuit open

So, it seems like the solenoid has died.

Can anyone with any experience here advise me what to buy please?

I'm feeling optimistic that I can buy a replacement on ebay, or perhaps directly from Volvo, and I might even attempt to replace the damper myself (if it's easy enough), otherwise it's a job for my independent garage. He's not a Volvo specialist, but he is good, but I feel if I bring him the correct part and let him get on with it, he'll keep the amount of hours of labour down, and he'll have done the job many times (perhaps not a 4C Volvo shock), but he should do a better job than me.

Thanks for replies.

[Kev0607]

If the location on your profile is correct, I assume that you're close to an independent Volvo Specialist called Hallmark. These chaps should be able to help you, as they have Volvo diagnostics etc.

1 Wharf St,
Lancashire Hill,
Stockport
SK4 1UD
Tel: 0161 429 0008

www.hallmarkmotorservices.co.uk

[Tatsfield]

The problem with the 4C suspension system is dominated by the high cost of replacement parts. With ordinary shock absorbers it is normal practice to replace both units on the same axle if one fails because the other can't be far behind and because a new one and an old one will not provide matched suspension characteristics. But with the 4C shocks they are so much more expensive that there is a very strong temptation to renew only the failed unit. On a 14 year old car, the shocks must be pretty well through their life and you would have to consider whether the handling of the car would be impaired by only renewing one of the 4C units. I suspect that you should be renewing the rear pair together but I also suspect that on a 14 year old car you may have reservations about the cost of so doing. It's now that you need to decide what the future of the car is going to be and whether you should be spending this sort of money on it depending on your plans.

[Arnold Layne]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

The problem with the 4C suspension system is dominated by the high cost of replacement parts. With ordinary shock absorbers it is normal practice to replace both units on the same axle if one fails because the other can't be far behind and because a new one and an old one will not provide matched suspension characteristics. But with the 4C shocks they are so much more expensive that there is a very strong temptation to renew only the failed unit. On a 14 year old car, the shocks must be pretty well through their life and you would have to consider whether the handling of the car would be impaired by only renewing one of the 4C units. I suspect that you should be renewing the rear pair together but I also suspect that on a 14 year old car you may have reservations about the cost of so doing. It's now that you need to decide what the future of the car is going to be and whether you should be spending this sort of money on it depending on your plans.

Very sensible advice, thanks.

[Arnold Layne]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

If the location on your profile is correct, I assume that you're close to an independent Volvo Specialist called Hallmark. These chaps should be able to help you, as they have Volvo diagnostics etc.

1 Wharf St,
Lancashire Hill,
Stockport
SK4 1UD
Tel: 0161 429 0008

www.hallmarkmotorservices.co.uk

Thanks Kev. I've had dealings with them before, which led me to buying my own Vida Dice, as I couldn't believe what they wanted to charge me just to read the diagnostic codes. (This was a few of my Volvo's ago though). So I've never been back, as I wasn't impressed by their attitude. I do a fair bit of my own servicing, and for more advanced stuff I have a local independent who I'm very happy with.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Arnold Layne

Thanks Kev. I've had dealings with them before, which led me to buying my own Vida Dice, as I couldn't believe what they wanted to charge me just to read the diagnostic codes. (This was a few of my Volvo's ago though). So I've never been back, as I wasn't impressed by their attitude. I do a fair bit of my own servicing, and for more advanced stuff I have a local independent who I'm very happy with.

I've purchased my own VIDA/Dice too, but still use Hallmark for the technical stuff. At the time, I had no option but pay for the diagnostics to be read. Any other garage I went to didn't have a clue to be honest! I understand your reasoning for going elsewhere though, as its your car & your choice as to who you bring it to at the end of the day.

Is the other garage you use a Volvo independent, or just a trusted garage that you use? Would you mind providing me with the name of the garage (via private message if you wish)?

I'd be most grateful, as I'm always on the look out for good garages. They seem few & far between to be honest.

[Arnold Layne]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

I've purchased my own VIDA/Dice too, but still use Hallmark for the technical stuff. At the time, I had no option but pay for the diagnostics to be read. Any other garage I went to didn't have a clue to be honest! I understand your reasoning for going elsewhere though, as its your car & your choice as to who you bring it to at the end of the day.

Is the other garage you use a Volvo independent, or just a trusted garage that you use? Would you mind providing me with the name of the garage (via private message if you wish)?

I'd be most grateful, as I'm always on the look out for good garages. They seem few & far between to be honest.

Hi Kev, no problem, I've sent you a PM.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Arnold Layne

Hi Kev, no problem, I've sent you a PM.

Thank you.

[ferg55]

The 4C shocks are now available aftermarket, made by Monroe who are the supplier for the Volvo ones. Search Monroe C1512 - they are about £230 each inc VAT.

Another option is a low mileage second hand pair. They are rare in the UK, but in Sweden fairly common, for about £300 a pair, plus shipping. I recently bought a pair of 4C rear springs, and paid about £45 shipping but it was still worth it. Try the below search result for S80 P3 rear shock (9 pages), they are not all 4C, but some are and easily identifiable with the cylindrical solenoid on the side. I believe there was only one type regardless of engine type. You can check the part number against yours. The mileage is listed. Sold in pairs:

https://en.bildelsbasen.se/?link=lis...204&pc1=104&vc[0]=204124100&vcx=5059&pc[0]=104103106&pos[104103106]=00000000000000100000

Labour to fit rear shocks should be low, as there is no coil spring involved. You may need the SUM recalibrated to accept the new shocks though, perhaps someone else can confirm?