Hello,

I have searched the forums but didn't see anything that directly addresses my Volvo's illness. I have a 2000 S80 (not turbo) that is acting peculiar. The ABS/STC lights go on and off, as does the Check Engline light. The error is about Emissions. Also, sometimes the engine surges and eventually stalls. This problem has varying degrees of severity. Sometimes, when it's really bad, I have to keep one foot on the gas while braking w/ my left foot to keep the car from dying. We call the car "Sybil the Volvo" because it seems to have 2 personalities: sick, and healthy. You never know when you turn it on what you're going to get. The latest new problem appeared today: When I got in it, the car had an error message saying, "Transmission Service Urgent." I parked the car and prayed I wouldn't have to tow it, as the closest dealership is 50 miles away.

All these things are intermittent and do not seem to be related to each other. The surging and stalling seems to be worse when the car has less than 1/4 tank.

I just paid a private shop $125 to reset the codes. They couldn't find anything mechanical wrong w/ the car. Their fix lasted for 3 days.

Is there anything I can do for this car, short of buying a new computer for it?

It has 161K on it, btw.

Thanks for any advice you might have.

kari m.

hey this may or may not help you but I had an idling problem with my s80. Dont know if its the same thing you are experiencing but my cars rpms would dip real low, bounce real high then possibly the car would stall. is this what you mean by surging? if so my problem was easily fixed by replacing the fuel filter. maybe that is your problem when the gas is below 1/4 tank?

The car has atleast 2 problems. One I would say dirty throttle body(Surging).
The abs/stc is a bad ABS module.

The trans service light might have been from the Abs module bad.The car works on a Network.If one goes bad the others will feel the pain.

Sounds like one of the problems is with the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module), which controls the gas pedal position to the engine...it's computer controlled, rather than with a cable...there is a recall on S80's - call Volvo, or get ahold of me, as I have quite a bit of info. Regarding the other issues, ABS and Transmission (TCM) are both noted issues in S80's. The car is heavily computer controlled, and a short or electrical/electronic problem can cause havoc. It could be a bad ground somewhere, or something more vexing.

Hope that helps,

Rick
(volvo.s80.owners@gmail.com)

I just read your post regarding Volvo S80 problems. I am experiencing some similar symptoms but as of yet, the dealership cannot isolate the issue. The car is a 1999 S80 and we started with the replacement of the ABS/TCS module and putting a new batterty in the car (approx. $1,500). The error codes (TCS, ABS, Brake Failure, Power Steering, transmission etc.) all are recurring intermittently. They have done numerous software re-laods and the car has so far spent around 10 days in the shop and we are no closer to a solution. The dealership is now telling me that it is probably a fault in one of the wiring harnesses and their only way to resolve this would be to start replacing them one by one. They say this process could cost thousands and there is no guarantee of success.

I have already tried to trade the car in elsewhere (non-Volvo), but nobody wants it. Everybody seems to know that the 1999 S80 has major electrical issues and is in essence a piece of junk. My only options seem to be to ditch it for scrap...or find someone who knows more about Volvos than Volvo.

Any Advice???

From a very frustrated S80 owner.
:huh:

dawnsantos@yahoo.comI'm getting the same message on my 2000 s80, Emissions system service required, check engine light, and now the Performance Reduced message. Called my local dealer... he says, bring it in, sounds like the Electronic Throttle Module.
Car surges/ stalls, etc.