C30 Electrics : Red triangle POWER SYSTEM SERVICE URGENT

[oneilldom]

I cleaned the throttle body and inlet mani on my '09 plate C30 2.0D on wednesday as per this guide http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=157241.

Took her out a day later and about a mile up the road I get this error message

Couple of questions:
I've read the fault is something to do with the alternator? Any thoughts?

Could any of the cleaning I did affect the alternator? or anything else cause this error message?

Lastly is it still okay to drive? It's booked in for diagnostics on tuesday morning but I've got to work monday and have errands in the meantime?

[Clan]

most likely your alternator is not charging so you are running just on the battery which will soon be flat .. As you have a 2litre diesel ,if you leave the battery flat for long the ECU can loose it's security codes , so a tow to the dealer to have the software re loaded as well as a new alternator .

[AndyMcc]

There's a rubber pipe that fits on the throttle body which you pull off if completely removing it. Has this come off ? If so it would give this message.

Andy

[oneilldom]

Originally Posted by Clan

most likely your alternator is not charging so you are running just on the battery which will soon be flat .. As you have a 2litre diesel ,if you leave the battery flat for long the ECU can loose it's security codes , so a tow to the dealer to have the software re loaded as well as a new alternator .

Clan thanks for the info, from what I've read you can get the error while alternator is putting out less volts than normal so may not be completely on battery but warning heeded. I'll leave it where it is.

[oneilldom]

Originally Posted by AndyMcc

There's a rubber pipe that fits on the throttle body which you pull off if completely removing it. Has this come off ? If so it would give this message.

Andy

Andy,

Pipe was detached and re-attached when cleaning. What is the pipe for and why does it cause the error message? I will go out to re-check it now but checked it yesterday when pulled over when first saw warning and looked to be okay. Thanks

EDIT: Thinking about it, the little rubber pipe is a vaccuum pipe operating the valve/damper/flap whatever you want to call it, isn't it? How would this affect the alternator?

[AndyMcc]

Originally Posted by oneilldom

Andy,

Pipe was detached and re-attached when cleaning. What is the pipe for and why does it cause the error message? I will go out to re-check it now but checked it yesterday when pulled over when first saw warning and looked to be okay. Thanks

I think it's a vacuum pipe, sure somebody will.know exactly what it does. The reason I said that was because I had the same with mine when cleaned it last year, forgot to reattach it and got a warning message on the dash. Turned the car off, reattached and it went away. Worth a check I suppose.
Have also had the same when my alternator packed in. Unlucky to have cleaned the throttle body and then get an unrelated issue. Good luck

Andy

[oneilldom]

Originally Posted by AndyMcc

I think it's a vacuum pipe, sure somebody will.know exactly what it does. The reason I said that was because I had the same with mine when cleaned it last year, forgot to reattach it and got a warning message on the dash. Turned the car off, reattached and it went away. Worth a check I suppose.
Have also had the same when my alternator packed in. Unlucky to have cleaned the throttle body and then get an unrelated issue. Good luck

Andy

So went out and checked the vacuum pipe, still attached with no signs of damage. Car is now completely dead no battery life whatsoever. Bo***cks!

[volvo for ever]

altanator and ecm reload then im afraid,,you shouldnt have let battery run flat its now lost security immobiliser codes now trip to volvo garage is next

[oneilldom]

Originally Posted by volvo for ever

altanator and ecm reload then im afraid,,you shouldnt have let battery run flat its now lost security immobiliser codes now trip to volvo garage is next

What does this mean, when I turn it back on the steering wheel will remain immobilised?

Great start to the year so far!

[Bungo]

Originally Posted by volvo for ever

altanator and ecm reload then im afraid,,you shouldnt have let battery run flat its now lost security immobiliser codes now trip to volvo garage is next

Just changed my totally dead battery and no problems.
You should leave for 5 mins after switching off to change battery to allow for codes to be stored.