Volvo Fault Codes List – Stay Ahead of Common Issues

Owning a Volvo means you’re behind the wheel of one of the safest, most dependable vehicles out there. But like any car, Volvos come with their own set of quirks—sometimes, that means dealing with fault codes.

When that dreaded check engine light pops on, your Volvo is trying to tell you something. Let’s break down those cryptic codes, one by one, so you know exactly what your car is trying to communicate.

How to Better Understand Volvo Fault Codes?

Volvo fault codes, or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), are those little combinations of letters and numbers that tell you what’s going wrong under the hood. When something malfunctions, your Volvo’s onboard computer generates a code that identifies the issue.

These codes help pinpoint which part of the car needs attention. It could be the engine, transmission, air conditioning, or even the vehicle’s wiring network.

Breaking Down the Code Structure

Each DTC consists of a letter and four numbers. The first letter is key to identifying which area of the vehicle the issue is related to:

• P: Powertrain (engine, transmission, and related components)
• C: Chassis (ABS, brakes, and stability systems)
• B: Body (air conditioning, airbags, and other systems in the body)
• U: Network (communication systems and wiring)

The first number that follows the letter tells you whether the issue is generic (0) or specific to Volvo (1). The rest of the numbers give additional information about the nature of the fault. For example, a code like P0301 breaks down as follows:

• P: Powertrain issue
• 0: Generic fault
• 3: Related to the ignition system or misfire
• 01: Misfire detected in Cylinder 1

List of Volvo Fault Codes

• P0010: Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1) – Indicates a problem with the intake camshaft actuator circuit on bank 1, potentially due to wiring issues or a faulty actuator.
• P0011: Intake Camshaft Position Timing – Over-Advanced (Bank 1) – Suggests that the intake camshaft timing for bank 1 is more advanced than commanded, possibly caused by a malfunctioning camshaft actuator or timing chain issues.
• P0013: Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1) – Points to an issue with the exhaust camshaft actuator circuit on bank 1, which could be due to electrical problems or a defective actuator.
• P0014: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing – Over-Advanced (Bank 1) – Indicates that the exhaust camshaft timing for bank 1 is more advanced than it should be, potentially due to a faulty actuator or timing components.
• P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1) – The engine’s air-fuel mixture is too lean on bank 1, often caused by vacuum leaks, faulty fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor.
• P0172: System Too Rich (Bank 1) – The air-fuel mixture is too rich on bank 1, which can result from issues like a defective oxygen sensor, leaking fuel injectors, or excessive fuel pressure.
• P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected – Multiple cylinders are misfiring randomly, potentially due to ignition system faults, fuel delivery problems, or engine mechanical issues.
• P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected – A misfire has been detected in cylinder 1, which could be caused by a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector.
• P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected – Indicates a misfire in cylinder 2, with possible causes similar to those for P0301.
• P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) – The catalytic converter’s efficiency on bank 1 is below the required threshold, possibly due to a failing converter or issues with oxygen sensors.
• P0442: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak) – A small leak has been detected in the evaporative emission control system, often caused by a loose or faulty gas cap or leaks in the EVAP system.
• P0455: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Gross Leak) – A large leak is present in the EVAP system, which can result from a severely damaged or missing gas cap, or significant leaks in the system.
• P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction – The vehicle speed sensor is not operating correctly, potentially due to sensor failure or wiring issues, affecting speedometer readings and transmission shifting.
• P0700: Transmission Control System Malfunction – A general fault in the transmission control system, which may require further diagnosis to identify specific transmission-related issues.
• P0101: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Performance – The MAF sensor is providing readings outside the expected range, possibly due to contamination, sensor failure, or intake air leaks.
• P0113: Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High Input – The intake air temperature sensor is reporting abnormally high voltage, which could be due to sensor malfunction or wiring issues.
• P0128: Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature) – The engine coolant temperature is lower than expected, indicating a possible stuck-open thermostat or coolant sensor issue.
• P0131: O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) – The oxygen sensor in bank 1, sensor 1, is reporting low voltage, which may result from a faulty sensor or wiring problems.
• P0133: O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1) – The oxygen sensor is responding slower than expected, potentially due to sensor degradation or exhaust leaks.
• P0135: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) – There’s an issue with the heater circuit of the oxygen sensor, which could be caused by a defective sensor heater element or electrical faults.
• P0141: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2) – Similar to P0135, but pertains to the second oxygen sensor on bank 1.
• P0155: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1) – Indicates a problem with the heater circuit of the first oxygen sensor on bank 2.
• P0174: System Too Lean (Bank 2) – The air-fuel mixture is too lean on bank 2, with causes similar to those for P0171.
• P0175: System Too Rich (Bank 2) – The air-fuel mixture is too rich on bank 2, with causes similar to those for P0172.
• P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected – A misfire has been detected in cylinder 3, with potential causes similar to those for P0301.
• P0304: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected – Indicates a misfire in cylinder 4, with possible causes similar to those for P0301.
• P0305: Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected – A misfire has been detected in cylinder 5, which could be caused by issues such as a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector.
• P0306: Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected – Indicates a misfire in cylinder 6, with potential causes similar to those for P0305.
• P0324: Knock Control System Error – There is a malfunction in the knock control system, which could be due to a faulty knock sensor or issues with the control circuitry.
• P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction – The engine control module (ECM) has detected a problem with the crankshaft position sensor circuit, potentially due to a defective sensor or wiring issues.
• P0340: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1) – Indicates a malfunction in the camshaft position sensor circuit on bank 1, which could be caused by a faulty sensor or connection problems.
• P0350: Ignition Coil Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction – There is an issue in the ignition coil primary or secondary circuit, possibly due to a defective ignition coil or wiring faults.
• P0422: Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) – The catalytic converter’s efficiency on bank 1 is below the required threshold, potentially due to a failing converter or issues with the oxygen sensors.
• P0440: Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction – A general malfunction has been detected in the EVAP system, which could be due to leaks, faulty valves, or a defective gas cap.
• P0505: Idle Control System Malfunction – The idle control system is not operating correctly, possibly due to a faulty idle air control valve or related components.
• P0705: Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input) – The transmission range sensor circuit has a malfunction, which could be due to a defective sensor or wiring issues.
• P0715: Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction – Indicates a problem with the input/turbine speed sensor circuit, potentially caused by a faulty sensor or connection issues.
• P0720: Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction – The output speed sensor circuit is malfunctioning, which could be due to a defective sensor or wiring faults.
• P0750: Shift Solenoid A Malfunction – There is an issue with shift solenoid A, possibly due to a faulty solenoid or related circuitry problems.
• P0755: Shift Solenoid B Malfunction – Indicates a malfunction with shift solenoid B, which could be caused by a defective solenoid or wiring issues.
• P0760: Shift Solenoid C Malfunction – There is a problem with shift solenoid C, potentially due to a faulty solenoid or connection faults.
• P0765: Shift Solenoid D Malfunction – Indicates an issue with shift solenoid D, which could be caused by a defective solenoid or related circuitry problems.
• P0770: Shift Solenoid E Malfunction – There is a malfunction with shift solenoid E, possibly due to a faulty solenoid or wiring issues.
• P0800: Transmission Control System Malfunction – A general fault in the transmission control system, which may require further diagnosis to identify specific transmission-related issues.
• P1120: Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range – The throttle position sensor is reporting values outside the expected range, potentially due to a faulty sensor or wiring problems.
• P1171: Long-Term Fuel Trim Upper Limit – The long-term fuel trim has reached its upper limit, indicating a possible issue with the fuel system or air intake.
• P1238: Turbocharger Boost Pressure Sensor Circuit High – The turbocharger boost pressure sensor circuit is reporting abnormally high readings, which could be due to a faulty sensor or wiring issues.
• P1332: Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Malfunction – Indicates a problem with the VVT solenoid, potentially due to a defective solenoid or related circuitry faults.
• P1600: ECM Battery Malfunction – The Engine Control Module has detected a battery malfunction, which could be due to battery issues or connection problems.
• P2101: Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance – There is an issue with the throttle actuator control motor circuit’s range or performance, possibly due to a faulty actuator or wiring faults.
• P2111: Throttle Actuator Control System – Stuck Open – The throttle actuator control system is stuck in the open position, which could be caused by a defective actuator or related components.
• P2112: Throttle Actuator Control System – Stuck Closed – Indicates that the throttle actuator control system is stuck in the closed position, potentially due to a faulty actuator or wiring issues.
• P2187: System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1) – The air-fuel mixture is too lean at idle for bank 1, which can result from vacuum leaks, faulty fuel injectors, or mass airflow sensor issues.
• P2188: System Too Rich at Idle (Bank 1) – The air-fuel mixture is too rich at idle for bank 1, potentially due to leaking fuel injectors, excessive fuel pressure, or a defective oxygen sensor.
• P2402: Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit High – The EVAP system’s leak detection pump control circuit is reporting high voltage, which could be due to a faulty pump or wiring issues.
• P2419: Evaporative Emission System Switching Valve Control Circuit Low – Indicates a low voltage condition in the EVAP system’s switching valve control circuit, potentially caused by a defective valve or connection problems.

Common Volvo Fault Codes and What They Mean

Let’s take a look at some of the more common Volvo fault codes and what they mean.

P0010: Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1)

• This code points to an issue with the intake camshaft actuator circuit on bank 1.
• Potential Causes: Faulty camshaft actuator, wiring problems, or a malfunctioning Engine Control Module (ECM).

P0011: Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)

• Indicates that the intake camshaft timing for bank 1 is more advanced than it should be.
• Potential Causes: Stuck camshaft phaser, low oil pressure, or issues with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system.

P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)

• The air-fuel mixture in bank 1 is too lean, meaning there is too much air compared to fuel.
• Potential Causes: Vacuum leaks, faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, or fuel delivery problems.

P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

• Random misfires occurring in multiple cylinders.
• Potential Causes: Issues in the ignition system, fuel system faults, or mechanical engine problems.

P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

• The catalytic converter in bank 1 is not performing efficiently enough.
• Potential Causes: Faulty catalytic converter, issues with oxygen sensors, or exhaust leaks.

P0442: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)

• A small leak is detected in the evaporative emission control system.
• Potential Causes: Loose or faulty gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, or a defective purge valve.

P0455: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Gross Leak)

• Indicates a large leak in the evaporative emission control system.
• Potential Causes: Damaged or missing gas cap, disconnected hoses, or faulty EVAP components.

P0700: Transmission Control System Malfunction

• There is a general malfunction in the transmission control system.
• Potential Causes: Transmission control module issues, wiring problems, or internal faults in the transmission.

P1238: Turbocharger (TC) Control System Flow Fault

• Indicates an issue with the turbocharger control system’s airflow.
• Potential Causes: Faulty turbocharger control valve, boost pressure issues, or wiring problems.

P2111: Throttle Actuator Control System – Stuck Open

• The throttle actuator is stuck in the open position.
• Potential Causes: Throttle body malfunction, wiring issues, or ECM problems.

Accessing and Interpreting Volvo Fault Codes

Want to check those codes yourself? Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Locate the OBD-II Port: Usually found under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
2. Connect an OBD-II Scanner: Plug in a compatible OBD-II scanner.
3. Turn On the Ignition: Switch the ignition to “ON” without starting the engine.
4. Read the Codes: Use the scanner to retrieve any stored fault codes.
5. Interpret the Codes: Refer to a Volvo-specific fault code list, or use the scanner’s built-in database to get the detailed description.

It’s a good idea to use an OBD-II scanner compatible with Volvo protocols for more accurate readings and model-specific codes.

Model-Specific Volvo Fault Codes

Certain Volvo models have their own quirks and codes that pop up more often than others. Let’s highlight some common ones.

Volvo XC90: P0016 – Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment

• Common Around: 70,000 miles
• Solution: This is often caused by a timing belt issue. Regularly replacing your timing belt as part of scheduled maintenance can prevent this issue and avoid severe engine damage.

Volvo S60 and S40: P0011 – Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Issue

• Solution: This code usually means that you should consider an oil change and system cleaning. Low oil pressure can cause VVT malfunctions, so keeping up with routine oil changes is key.

Volvo Hybrid and Electric Models: P0A80 – Replace Hybrid/EV Battery Pack

• Solution: Consult a certified Volvo hybrid technician for a proper diagnosis. Sometimes, only a module within the battery pack needs replacement, rather than the entire pack.

Preventing and Addressing Volvo Fault Codes

Avoiding fault codes in your Volvo boils down to regular and careful maintenance. Here are some key practices:

Scheduled Servicing

Stick to Volvo’s recommended service intervals. Oil changes, filter replacements, and regular system checks keep your car in prime condition and less prone to faults.

Timely Repairs

Don’t ignore small issues. A minor fault now can become a much bigger (and more expensive) issue if left unaddressed.

Use Quality Parts

Always opt for genuine Volvo parts when doing repairs or maintenance. They are designed to work with Volvo’s specific systems and help prevent compatibility issues that could lead to new fault codes.

Software Updates

Volvo often releases software updates for their vehicles that can enhance performance and fix bugs in system operations. Make sure your car’s software is up to date whenever it goes in for servicing.

The Importance of Addressing Fault Codes

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Fault codes aren’t something to ignore. They are early warning signs from your Volvo that something needs attention. Ignoring codes like P0442 (EVAP system leak) can lead to bigger emissions issues, while something like P0016 could result in major engine damage if not addressed.

Costs of Ignoring Fault Codes

• Small Problems Escalate: A misfire code such as P0300 can lead to damage in the catalytic converter, which is a costly fix.
• Expensive Repairs: Timing belt issues like P0016 can cause major engine damage if not taken care of, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Keep Your Volvo Happy

Keeping your Volvo running smoothly is all about staying informed and proactive. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and knowing how to read fault codes can make a huge difference in keeping repair costs low and avoiding sudden breakdowns. After all, Volvo is known for superb safety ratings, you just need to listen to your car.

When your Volvo gives you a code, it’s not trying to confuse you—it’s asking for some TLC. Grab a scanner, head to your trusted mechanic, and address the issue before it turns into a bigger problem.

That way, your Volvo will continue to be the reliable, safe car you love driving for many years to come.