My car's had to be recovered!

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Zebster

So I've been for a drive with a voltmeter connected to the console power socket. Before setting off I did a quick comparison to battery terminal voltage (using a second DMV) and the voltages were the same.

During about 35 minutes of driving I saw no significant voltage excursions; it stayed between 14.6 and 14.7v for almost the whole time, never went below 14v and never went above 15v.

However after about 20 minutes problems began to arise; all control of the Sensus system was lost, along with volume and temperature controls, etc... no controls in the central area were responding, although it all remained illuminated. The stop/start and parking beeper disable buttons were apparently functional, but simply turned back on within a second of being turned off!

Oddly the volume controls on the steering wheel stayed functional, along with the dash which - unlike last night - showed no warnings or alarms.

On arriving home about 15 minutes later it was discovered that the electric windows and the vehicle locking were all non-functional.

The car was running fine and felt absolutely normal the whole time.

What the hell is going on?!?!

That was interesting but I think you need professional attention now , stored codes should help … at east the alternator and battery should be ok ..

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Clan

That was interesting but I think you need professional attention now , stored codes should help … at east the alternator and battery should be ok ..

I grudgingly agree.

My concern is that the car electronics could end up being gutted and expensively replaced in an attempt to find the problem. I'm also worried that a failing system may not have sufficient oversight to properly monitor itself and hence flag a code, seeing as how this is not something like an engine sensor, etc.

I did look for stored codes, but only with an OBD2 scanner - there were none... But i realise that a Volvo dealer could be able to find other codes and I'll give one a call on Monday.

Where are the electronic control systems located? I did wonder if water may have got in, seeing as how the car lives outside and it has rained a lot?

Thanks again Clan, much appreciated

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Zebster

I grudgingly agree.

My concern is that the car electronics could end up being gutted and expensively replaced in an attempt to find the problem. I'm also worried that a failing system may not have sufficient oversight to properly monitor itself and hence flag a code, seeing as how this is not something like an engine sensor, etc.

I did look for stored codes, but only with an OBD2 scanner - there were none... But i realise that a Volvo dealer could be able to find other codes and I'll give one a call on Monday.

Where are the electronic control systems located? I did wonder if water may have got in, seeing as how the car lives outside and it has rained a lot?

Thanks again Clan, much appreciated

The main computer ( CEM ) is under the glovebox , you would need to take out the glovebox to get to it , you could take out the multi plugs and refit them which may prove something by freshening up the terminals and see what happens but disconnect the battery first . Last time I remember a CEM was about £80 as yours is a newer car. The earlier ones were about £600 . You might be lucky with volvos goodwill so keep on the good side of the service department :-)

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Clan

The main computer ( CEM ) is under the glovebox , you would need to take out the glovebox to get to it , you could take out the multi plugs and refit them which may prove something by freshening up the terminals and see what happens but disconnect the battery first . Last time I remember a CEM was about £80 as yours is a newer car. The earlier ones were about £600 . You might be lucky with volvos goodwill so keep on the good side of the service department :-)

Did you really mean £80? Not £800?

I'll take a look tomorrow and try to access the plugs. I'll also disconnect the main battery to see if that resets anything. I guess it needs to be for an extended period?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Zebster

Did you really mean £80? Not £800?

I'll take a look tomorrow and try to access the plugs. I'll also disconnect the main battery to see if that resets anything. I guess it needs to be for an extended period?

Yes £80 about 18 months ago .. , disconnect the battery before you take the glove box out and just pull each plug out and in then reassemble and re connect the battery ,

[Zebster]

Bargain! But I guess there'll be diagnistics, labour and VAT so it'll still be a slap to the wallet.

However for £80 I wouldn't bother to strip the CEM and consider reflowing or any other repair techniques. But I will disconnect the battery and do what you suggest.

Irrespective of whether I can get it looked at by a dealer this week, I'm assuming that it is actually safe to drive?

[iain cooper]

have you been storming through big puddles Zebster ?

Iain

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by iain cooper

have you been storming through big puddles Zebster ?

Iain

Of course!

[HDAV]

Hmmmm odd one foot wells dry? Passenger specifically.....

Maybe try the volt meter on the in cabin 12v outlet

Voltage regulator could be the issue gets hot and stops working seen in on other vehicles where the voltage reg is connected to cooling system (rare on a car)

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by HDAV

Hmmmm odd one foot wells dry? Passenger specifically.....

Maybe try the volt meter on the in cabin 12v outlet

Voltage regulator could be the issue gets hot and stops working seen in on other vehicles where the voltage reg is connected to cooling system (rare on a car)

Passenger foot well is dry.

The voltmeter was connected to the cabin 12v outlet while I drove around monitoring the voltage.

Where is this voltage regulator that you mention?