So Fix it

The P1603 diagnostic code on a 2000 Volvo V70 represents a problem with the vehicles electronic throttle module (ETM). When the accelerator pedal is used, it signals the engine control unit, which activates the ETM. Repairing this problem will preserve your engine speed control.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P1603 diagnostic code on a 2000 Volvo V70 automobile include stalling and erratic revving. The engine warning light will also illuminate.

Identification

After 1999, Volvo V70 models had physical contact between two parts that control the throttle. This particular setup was produced until 2002. Theore, Volvo V70s manufactured from 1999 to 2002 suffered from wear, damage and failure of the two throttle parts that were in contact with each other. Approximately 500,000 Volvo gasoline cars were negatively affected by this design.

Solution

A Volvo Master Technician recommends a 155 software upgrade for this type of problem, and an ETM repair job takes between 2.5 to 3 hours. The dealer will replace the ETM under the vehicles 10-year, 200,000-mile extended warranty.

The Volvo D12 is a diesel engine found in trucks and SUVs. If you are having trouble with your D12, there are a couple of things you can do before you take it to a diesel repair shop. Most of the common issues reside with the fuel, starter and leaks in the system. You can diagnose the problem with non-invasive repair and get your D12 back up and running with little hassle.

Instructions

1

Turn the key to the ignition in the truck or SUV that your D12 is installed on. Look at the gas gauge to make sure that you have enough diesel in the tank to get your engine started. Fill the gas tank with enough fuel to start the engine.

2

Replace old fuel after a seasonal change. You cant use winter diesel in the summer and vice versa. Winter diesel can have condensation in it, which causes misfires to the engine.

3

Siphon out your old diesel to replace it with fresh fuel. Insert one end of a siphon hose to your gas tank. Insert the other end of the hose to an empty container. Pump the siphon hose until all of the gas is out of the tank. Fill the tank with the proper gas.

4

Jack up the front of the truck and climb underneath the engine. Have a friend turn the ignition in the truck. Listen to the small black box on the right side of the engine. This is the starter. If you hear any clicking from the starter, have a technician replace it.

5

Look for leaks around the D12. If you notice any leaks, you should have a mechanic take a look at your engine. Mechanics have special devices for diagnostic tests.

You can access engine codes for your 1989 Volvo 240 from your home garage using an OBD I scanner. This hand-held computerized tool can be purchased from any auto parts store. The On-Board Diagnostics computer receives and stores error codes sent to it from the engine. Sensors in the engine detect malfunctions and servicing needs of the Volvo and send the error codes to the computer. The computer, in turn, illuminates the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" lights on your instrument panel. The codes can be read using an OBD I scanner. After you read the codes, this same tool can be used to reset the computer and turn off all warning lights after repairs or servicing has been accomplished.

Instructions

1

Plug the OBD I scanner into the large open port on the drivers side dashboard underneath the steering column.

2

Put the key into the ignition, and turn it to the "ACC" position, but dont crank the engine. Wait while the scanner turns on. Some scan tools have an on/off switch that needs to be turned on.

3

Select the "Read Codes" command from the scanners menu. Wait for the scanner to interface with the OBD computer. Write the engine codes it displays on a piece of paper.

4

Unplug the scanner.

The Volvo S70 is a great mid-size luxury car from a Sweden. It comes with many luxury amenities standard, such as power windows. However, European car electronics do have a higher than average failure rate, so to avoid exorbitant import repair costs, you can repair the switch yourself. The switch controls the position of the window by controlling an electrical motor. The switch itself could have damage or the wires leading from the switch could be frayed.

Instructions

1

Drive the Volvo S70 to a garage or other covered area, perably a garage though. You do not want to work on the cars electronics out in the open in case it starts to rain or precipitate. Put the Volvo S70 into "Park" and then engage the parking brake to keep the car from moving while you work on it. Turn the Volvo S70 off and pull the key out of the ignition.

2

Open the door with the window switch that you want to repair. Open it all the way so you have the most room to work with. Take a thin flathead screwdriver and wedge the tip into the seam around the window switch and the armrest bezel. Pry the switch out gently and pull it out by hand, but do not disconnect the wires yet.

3

Inspect the switch for any obvious damage. If the switch itself is damaged then unplug the control wires from the switch. Plug the wires plugs into the port on the new switch and place it back in the armrest. If the switch is fine but there is corrosion on the wires, then pull the wires up and out of the port at the bottom of the switch well. Plug the replacement wire into the port at the bottom of the switch well and then into the old switch.

4

Wedge the switch back into the armrest and then turn the Volvo S70 on. Roll the window up and down to test the window switch. If it does not work then pry the switch out again to make sure the wire plugs are firmly pushed into the port.

Replacing the flasher relay on your Volvo 850 can be done very quickly and requires no tools. The flasher relay routes the power from the turn signal switch to the turn signals, converting the flow of electricity from a solid stream of power to an alternating stream, which causes the lights to flash on and off. If the relay fails, you can replace it with a new one, available from any auto parts store or through your Volvo dealer.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your Volvo and locate the fuse box on the drivers side of the engine compartment up against the firewall. Open the plastic lid by releasing the locking tab on the drivers side of the box then swing the lid towards the passengers side.

2

Locate the flasher relay on the drivers end of the box, grasp it by the sides and pull it straight out. Discard the old flasher and install a new one by pushing it straight into the fuse box where the old one came out.

3

Close the lid, snapping the locking tab in place. Close the hood of the car and test the repair by turning the ignition on and activating the turn signals, one side at a time.

The Volvo 900 series is a line of mid-size cars produced from 1990 to 1997. The 1996 model was equipped with a 6-cylinder 2.9-liter engine. This vehicle used electronic fuel injection, which requires a high-pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump in a 1996 Volvo is located on top of the fuel tank and is accessible from the rear passenger compartment.

Instructions

1

Attach adapter 999-5484 to fuel drainage unit 981-2270 with the fuel drainage unit in the closed position. Remove the cap from the fuel pressure valve on the the fuel rail. Connect the adapter to the fuel pressure valve. Open the fuel drainage unit to relieve the pressure in the fuel pressure system.

2

Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the cap for the fuel filter valve and connect vent hose 999 5480 to the fuel filter valve. Drain fuel into a gasoline container for about 2 minutes. Disconnect the vent hose and replace the valve cap. Lower the vehicle and disconnect the fuel drainage unit from the fuel pressure valve. Replace the cap on the fuel pressure valve.

3

Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to avoid starting the engine. Pull back carpet over the right rear wheel in the rear passenger compartment. Disconnect the electrical connections for the fuel pump.

4

Disconnect the quick-connect fittings on the fuel lines to the fuel pump and detach the fuel lines. Turn the retaining nut for the fuel pump counterclockwise with tool 999-5485 to remove the retaining nut. Disconnect the fuel pump and rubber seal from the fuel tank.

5

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to a new rubber seal, then install the rubber seal. Install the new fuel pump with the heater connection facing the right side of the vehicle. Tighten the retaining nut onto the fuel pump to 30 ft. lbs. with tool 999-5484 and a torque wrench.

6

Connect the electrical connectors and fuel lines to the fuel pump. Put the carpet in the passenger compartment back into place. Connect the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Start the engine and check for fuel leaks.

The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car made from 1992 to 1997 by Volvo Cars. It was available in sedan and station wagon body styles with front-wheel drive. The 1995 Volvo 850 had a 5-cylinder, 2.3-liter engine, or a 5-cylinder, 2.4-liter engine. Both engines have the same procedure for replacing the water pump. This procedure requires you to relieve the fuel pressure and drain the cooling system.

Instructions

1

Remove the fuel pump under the dashboard and start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until it stalls to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Turn the ignition off and replace the fuel pump relay. Wait for the engine to completely cool.

2

Remove the cable to the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench to prevent the battery from causing sparks. Raise the vehicle with a jack and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the splash guard below the engine with a socket wrench.

3

Turn the heater control to the maximum setting and remove the cap on the expansion coolant tank. Place a drain pan under the radiator drain cock on the right side of the engine block. Connect a hose to the drain cock and place the free end of the hose in the drain pan. Open the drain cock to drain the coolant into the drain pan and close the drain cock.

4

Detach the fuel lines from the fuel tank and disconnect the expansion coolant tank with a socket wrench. Remove the front cover for the timing belt and the accessory drive belts. Disconnect the timing belt.

5

Disconnect the retaining bolts for the water pump with a socket wrench. Remove the water pump from the engine block and discard the old gasket. Clean the mounting surface on the cylinder block with a shop rag.

6

Install the new water pump and gasket to the engine block, and tighten the retaining bolts for the water pump to 15 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

7

Connect the timing belt, accessory drive belts and the front cover for the timing belt with a socket wrench. Install the expansion coolant tank and connect the fuel lines to the fuel tank. Connect the splash guard and lower the vehicle. Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal.

8

Fill the radiator with coolant and start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until it reaches its normal operating temperature, then turn the engine off. Top off the coolant to the correct level and check the cooling system for leaks.