Parking Sensors and P0030 fault - S80

[Elninio1999]

Hi all,

Just picked up my first Volvo - 2009 S80 2.4d.

Happy with it but I have a couple of issues that I'm hoping to get some advice on.

I get an intermittent rear parking sensor service required message. Im not massively bothered about sensors, but are there any quick things to check that might be the cause?

I've got a generic reader and it's throwing a P0030 code up. There's no EML on and the car drives how I'd expect it to for age, etc. Again, what do I need to check for this? Pics are always helpful!! If there are no apparent symptoms, do I need to be particularly concerned about it? I reset it on the reader but it comes back.

Thanks

[Kev0607]

That code relates to an oxygen sensor. There's two sensors, right at the back of the engine near the bulkhead.

I'm not sure if your code reader will give you more detail, but its worth a try. It should tell you which sensor is causing the issue, something along the lines of "front bank 1" or "front bank 2". Its my understanding that the front bank 1 sensor is at the back of the engine on the passenger side of the vehicle & the front bank 2 is on the driver's side. They'll be next to each other, but you need to ensure you're replacing the correct one. If the code says "rear sensor", then that's on the exhaust underneath the car.

This video will give you an idea. Its from a different model, but the process for the replacement of an oxygen sensor is basically the same. Note, your car won't have the bar going across the engine like this video shows, nor should you have to undo the torque rod because its on the other side of the engine in your particular car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R993Rou-MXo

[Kev0607]

I forgot to mention in my post earlier that I'd suggest you purchase a proper diagnostic tool for Volvo's (VIDA (software) & DICE (the unit that communicates with the car) & getting the codes read properly on your vehicle. I'd recommend purchasing this diagnostic equipment, particularly if you're a keen DIY person. Its not wasted money either because you can sell it on in the future to the person that buys the car (for extra cost), or to someone on here that may want one (If you decide to sell the vehicle that is). Any keen Volvo enthusiast will recommend you buy VIDA, so have a think about it.

A generic reader on these cars isn't really much use. They're full of electronics, like most other modern cars are nowadays. A generic reader isn't really going to do you any favours. The clue is in the name... "generic", which is as basic as it gets really. Get the codes read properly at a Volvo garage, or independent specialist whilst you haven't got VIDA. Then if you do decide to buy VIDA, you can read your own codes . That generic reader you're using at the moment isn't much use, not on a car with multiple modules etc.

cheshired5, who is a key contributor & highly regarded member of this forum sells VIDA & DICE. There's no hassle... just plug in & away you go.

If interested, post a message in his thread (below) & he'll be happy to help you.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...253191&page=74

**Note VIDA/Dice only works on Volvo vehicles.

With regards to the code your generic reader shown, a faulty oxygen sensor can cause fuel consumption issues (A bad sensor can disrupt the air to fuel mixture). You haven't got an engine management light on at the moment, so the car isn't giving you a warning as such. There's no need to replace the sensor immediately, unless you start receiving warnings or notice really poor fuel economy.

[Elninio1999]

Thanks mate.

I'll hang fire on changing it for now then as there's no noticeable issue.

I'll take a look into Vida/dice. Do some research and save some pennies up.

Appreciate the reply 🙂

[Kev0607]

No problem, you're welcome.

With regards to the intermittent parking sensor error, that usually does crop up at some point in time! Chances are, you have a faulty sensor. VIDA would tell you which sensor is dodgy, so if its only one sensor, you can replace that instead of replacing them all (One faulty sensor can stop all the sensors working). You may have more than one faulty, but I'm just giving you an idea. VIDA is your best bet for this, as it'll tell you which sensor(s) are faulty. Without it, its simply guess work. Alternatively, go to one of those places that fits radios, reversing cameras etc & they may be able to help at a fraction of the cost Volvo will charge.

My Dad had a faulty rear sensor on his V70 D5. We went to a local place that fits sensors, reversing cameras etc (like I mentioned above) to a wide variety of cars & the chap there was willing to help (It won't cost much, just the cost of the sensor(s) plus clipping them in - Certainly cheaper than the dealership!). He plugged in his fancy scan tool (It wasn't a Volvo one as such, but looked like a professional scan tool to me) & he found which sensor was dodgy within a few minutes. I've heard that the bumper needs to be removed to fit the sensors, but he certainly didn't go to all that trouble on my Dad's car. He popped the faulty sensor out with some kind of plastic tool, fitted a new one that he had in stock & its worked fine ever since (Yes it wasn't a Volvo sensor, but it works fine). Volvo charge £200-300 easy to do this job, but that's because they seem to suggest bumper removal. If the parking module itself is knackered, then yes, that's a bumper off job. If its a wiring loom issue, then again, bumper off job highly likely. It all depends what's wrong really, but if its just faulty sensor(s), they can be done without removing the bumper.

On the centre console, near the air con on/off button, you'll see a "P". Is this button lit green? Pressing that turns the sensors off totally & pressing it again turns them back on (Green light will be lit when they're on & working properly, no light means they're off).

[Elninio1999]

Good shout! I get it lighting up about half the time then I get the warning the other times.

Give it a scan at some point hopefully!

[Elninio1999]

Replacing the sensor when it comes to it - is this a relatively straightforward DIY job with minimal tools or better at a garage? How long would it take? Bank1 sensor 1

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Elninio1999

Replacing the sensor when it comes to it - is this a relatively straightforward DIY job with minimal tools or better at a garage? How long would it take? Bank1 sensor 1

Its a straight forward job really, but access isn't the best (15-30 mins). It can be done at home, but you need a crow foot socket or oxygen sensor socket ideally with a long extension. You might get a spanner on the old sensor to remove it, but I think you'll struggle using a spanner because of the bulkhead. Sometimes, the sensors can be pretty tight (A bit of penetrating fluid might help).

This video will give you an idea. Its from a different model, but the process for the replacement of an oxygen sensor is basically the same in your car too. Note, your car won't have the bar going across the engine like this video shows, nor should you have to undo the torque rod because its on the other side of the engine in your particular car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R993Rou-MXo

You haven't got an engine management light on at the moment though, so it probably isn't a major issue right now (Keep your eye on fuel consumption & whether you get any warnings popping up).

On that note, have you tried wiping the fault code, then check it after you've driven the car for a while to see if the same fault code returns again? It could be an old fault code that wasn't erased in the past - The sensor could have already been replaced for all you know? (worth a try). Your generic scan tool might not be able to erase the code though, but its worth a go anyway. You might need VIDA for erasing, or a garage might be able to do it with their professional diagnostic equipment.

If you or a garage does end up replacing the sensor, make sure its a genuine Volvo part, or one made by a quality aftermarket brand. Don't buy the cheapest one you see from an unknown brand! Buy a cheap one & you'll be replacing it again in no time. Once replaced, erase the stored fault code.