Other XC90 Problem: Loss of power up hill which continues

[Ian Martin]

Hi Forum,

I wonder if anyone can help, I write the story of events below:

1) xc90 losses power when going up hill and then keeps the loss of power with slow acceleration unless I stop and wait for 5 minutes.
2) garage replaces the mass air flow sensor
2) problem still there so take to Volvo (same fault being read)
4) Volvo say the mass air sensor needs replacing
5) I take it back to garage who then replace the mas air sensor with new one
6) problem still occurs so I buy my own fault finding reader
7)reader says mas air flow sensor issue and glow control relay
8) i replaced the glow relay control
9) car still has same problem

The car also occasionally goes into limp mode when I start it up. I then stop and start it again and its then fine (not sure if this is connected to same issue).

Current fault codes are: mass air flow sensor, code 135F;Control module communication signal missing from Engine Control Module (ECM) code OA31; Glow relay control, faulty signal, code 664A; Control Panel signal missing code 0001C.

Any advice would be welcomed as I do not want to take it to a garage again for them to say mass air sensor needs replacing.

Thanks

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Ian Martin

Hi Forum,

I wonder if anyone can help, I write the story of events below:

1) xc90 losses power when going up hill and then keeps the loss of power with slow acceleration unless I stop and wait for 5 minutes.
2) garage replaces the mass air flow sensor
2) problem still there so take to Volvo (same fault being read)
4) Volvo say the mass air sensor needs replacing
5) I take it back to garage who then replace the mas air sensor with new one
6) problem still occurs so I buy my own fault finding reader
7)reader says mas air flow sensor issue and glow control relay
8) i replaced the glow relay control
9) car still has same problem

The car also occasionally goes into limp mode when I start it up. I then stop and start it again and its then fine (not sure if this is connected to same issue).

Current fault codes are: mass air flow sensor, code 135F;Control module communication signal missing from Engine Control Module (ECM) code OA31; Glow relay control, faulty signal, code 664A; Control Panel signal missing code 0001C.

Any advice would be welcomed as I do not want to take it to a garage again for them to say mass air sensor needs replacing.

Thanks

The glow plugs are only used when starting the engine. They are there to add heat to the cylinders when the engine is cold and before it starts so that the diesel can combust. They play no role whatsoever once the engine is running (unless you are in extreme cold like -20°C, then they may be used a bit longer). But once an engine is at normal operating temperature, glowplugs do nothing whatsoever. So ignore any glow plug relay issues.

MAF errors are often triggered when you have a charged air leak. So carefully inspect the turbo charged air pipe from turbo charger, under the engine, to the intercooler and then to the inlet system.
And check the swirl flaps are properly working too.

Just because a MAF error is thrown, doesn’t mean the MAF itself is faulty. Most often it is not. You have to focus on the entire inlet air system.
Doing a smoke check for leaks is a better investment than a new MAF.

Regarding the control module coms fault, check the connector to the ECM is clean and dry and free from any corrosion. Otherwise, check the connectors on the CEM are clean and dry and free from water damage and corrosion. Accessing the CEM is harder, you have to remove the wipers and the scuttle panel. So I wouldn’t bother accessing the CEM yet, focus n finding the inlet problem first.
Accessing the ECM connector is very simple, it is right there on to of the air filter.

Ask in the forum for a person with VIDA to assist you, if you can find one in your area. VIDA says so much more than a generic code reader.
Good luck!

[S60D5-185]

When ( if ever ) was the fuel filter replaced?

I would do that as a matter of course and see if there is any improvement.

They are critical on a D5 and are so often either overlooked or worse still charged for by a garage but never changed.

A filthy fuel filter can cause all manner of poor running issues on a D5

Change it, you have nothing to loose.

[Wattie4]

Does the soot filter fault come up on the dash, my xc90 is doing the same thing

[maartenvd]

I had a similar issue not long ago, check the thread which I opened on this forum. The problem was the MAP sensor which is located near the intercooler. In my case the intake-air-temperature was too high, but not enough to trigger an alert for the MAP. Replacing the MAP sensor completely resolved my issue.

[Ian Martin]

Hi, thanks for all the advice very much appreciated.

I changed the fuel filter and air filter. An initial repair was to recharge the DPF which the garage said they did. The Mass air flow sensor was also changed by garage.

This is why this is issue is perplexing. It seems like I should do a smoke test to see if there are any leaks perhaps.

The only other concern is did the garage do the work correctly? I will have to assume they did.

Thanks

[bracken78]

Could this issue be related to the Diesel Particulate Filter Temperature Sensor? I have a 2014 D5 XC70 and have, very occasionally (its happened maybe 4 times in 4,000 miles), what sounds like a similar issue as you have with I am greeted with very slow acceleration (but I have no dash lights). For me, lifting off the throttle and re-applying 'fixes' the issue. I'm looking to have this sensor replaced.

[Geozyg]

My power loss issue from 2016. But it happened again a few days ago, just once so far but it may be time for another temp sensor. Now at 135k miles so 50k miles done since replacement.

Nov 2016
2009 V70 D5 85k mls
Starts well, idles perfectly but no power when it comes to driving. After an intermittent amount of time it works perfectly with full power and after a similarly intermittent amount of time goes back to low power, etc.

Additional Info
No warnings on dash at any time
Engine behaves perfectly with no noise, stuttering or any noticeable affect other than low power.
Starts perfectly
When working correctly, the car pulls properly and has full power for high speed cruising for long durations
Seems to be guaranteed problem when cold
Seems to be a higher probability of the problem after stopping for a short time
However, problem can occur at any time, speed or duration of drive

Car is up to date with service, fuel filter, box oil, engine oil changed at service.
Engine oil level 33% of Min to Max range
Unplugged MAF, EGR and engine temp sensors and re plugged to check connection.


2016 Power Loss Fix

Replaced REAR 5 WIRE WIDEBAND OXYGEN LAMBDA SENSOR FOR VOLVO V70 III KOMBI 2.4 D D5 07-09
No change, the problem persists

Replaced 'LXT045 Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor 31293032 2 Year Warranty Volvo V70 2009 [MK III] D5' (eBay)
Fixed Issue

If I get the power loss again I will replace the temp sensor as the first step. Its an easy DIY job too.

[AE Jenkins]

My 07 xc90 symptom was 'power loss under load' etc. with soot filter full warnings. All symptoms go after stopping with ignition off for 5mins. After several garage visits and expense. (fuel filter change, fuel pressure and flow switches replaced, glow plugs and relays replaced, air intake filters and assoc pipes and pressure switches cleaned or replaced). Finally my local village garage mechanic diagnosed a pressure leak in the intercooler, this was confirmed and the intercooler replaced. (There was small crack in the base of a down tube, possibly caused by icing, impact or corrosion). Car performance fully restored.

[gmonag]

OMG!

Load the parts cannon and FIRE!