Volvo Common Problems - Rennology Motor Sport, Chicago

Common Volvo Problems

Check Engine Light or running rough? Here you will find some answers to the most frequently diagnosed Volvo problems. We do not recommend you assume that the answer here directly relates to your Volvo. And, you should know that often third parties will misdiagnose a car for what appears to be similar problems or related diagnostic codes.

Diagnosing Volvo Problems

One of the most common misdiagnosis is where a customer believes they need a new catalytic converter because a well known parts store told them they have an O2 sensor code setting off a Check Engine Light! This can be a very expensive and time consuming Volvo mistake. Accurately diagnosing a Volvo problem requires more than just reading codes from an onboard computer.

Over the years we have heard and seen first hand the results of bad diagnosis, bad business practices or a simple lack of experience. You can read about the most recent and some of our all time favorites in our Horror Stories Section.

Below you will find answers to some of the more common Volvo problems and potential solutions. Please be cognizant of the fact that you have one check engine light and hundreds of reasons why it could be triggered.

Volvo Common Problems & Frequently Asked Questions

ROUGH IDLE - NO MISFIRES: Under certain circumstances, some Volvo vehicles can suffer from a rough idle with no misfires. the common cause of the roughness is weak motor mounts. This can also show up as a clunk when the vehicle is first put in to gear. The engine mount on the top of the engine is a very common failure, however, the lower mounts are more likely to cause the rough idle feel.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - CAM POSITION: This can be a frustrating issue, especially if it occurs after the replacement of a timing belt! What appears to be a camshaft position sensor issue problem causing a check engine light, can often be a failure in the VVT unit. The VVT controls the position of the cam during acceleration and is prone to failure.
SRS LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD: Some Volvo vehicles suffer from persistent SRS failure indictors on the dashboard. It is very important to have this problem diagnosed as this is a critical safety system. However, in some cases this is a failure in the dashboard and not in the safety system itself.
AC SYSTEM FAILURE - COMPRESSOR: There are many reasons why an AC system can fail to cool effectively. On some Volvo vehicles, the AC compressor is fitted with an electro-mechanical clutch system which is prone to fail. This is often misdiagnosed as a failure in the whole compressor, when replacement of the clutch is a considerably cheaper solution.
STEERING LOOSE: Signs of a loose or inaccurate steering need to resolved as soon as possible. In some Volvo vehicles, the bottom connection between the steering column and the steering rack is prone to excessive wear. Initially, this can be mis-diagnosed as loose tie-rod ends but ends up being the replacement of the lower column connector.
SUSPENSION LOOSE - KNOCKS OVER BUMPS: There can be a number of sources in the suspension components that produce knocks and noises when the vehicle goes over road bumps. However, many Volvo vehicles are prone to excessive wear in the rubber bushings in the suspension joints. Dry conditions or in our case dry, cold, salty conditions can speed the wear of the bushings rapidly.