XC90 Limp Home Mode/Loss of Power - Transmission?

Jon123 · Post by **Jon123** » 06 Feb 2010, 14:30

Hi,

My 2004 XC90 keeps losing powere and going into "limp home mode" when I can only do a maximum of 20mph, whenthis happens I also get engine service required in the information window. If I turn he engin off and restart the messge is cleared and the car drives OK until next time, this is a intermitant fault.
The car has been back to the garage and on the dyagnostic but they have been unable to sort.... any ideasa?????

Thanks in anticipation

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 06 Feb 2010, 15:14

If you have the GM transmission, you can try a fluid & filter change to see if it helps.

Jon123 · Post by **Jon123** » 07 Feb 2010, 01:54

Hi,
Thanks for the advice, how do I know if GM made my transmission or not?

Post by **matthew1** » 08 Feb 2010, 15:42

In North America, 5-cylinder = Asin transmission, 6-cylinder = GM transmission. The GM transmission was not well suited to the 272 hp and weight of the XC90 T6.

Jon123 · Post by **Jon123** » 09 Feb 2010, 09:44

Hi,
Thanks for the advice.
Car went back and we have a code.
The garage thinks that the variable vains in the turbo are sticking.
They are going to akethe turbo out and clean/replace...does this sound like a likley cause to my problem and will the suggested action solve te problem?

Post by **matthew1** » 09 Feb 2010, 14:52

Hmmm in the 850 side of things, limp home mode is relegated to transmission issues.

Big disclaimer: I'm not as familiar with XC90's as with 850/S70/V70 family.

That said, does a bad turbo trigger the limp home warning? That doesn't sound right to me. I'd pose that question verbatim to the Volvo tech or rep your dealing with. Exactly like that: "Does a bad turbo trigger the limp home warning? I thought that was only for transmission problems."

Let us know what they say.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 09 Feb 2010, 18:09

Jon123 wrote: The garage thinks that the variable vains in the turbo are sticking.

You have variable vanes? Wow, that is one sophisticated turbo you have there. Are you sure he didn't say/mean the wastegate is sticking?

I doubt the turbo is the cause of the problem you are experiencing, but I suppose anything is possible. I think it's much more likely to be the turbo control valve, if a turbo-related problem can even trigger the limp home mode (as Matthew discussed above). Please let us know what you find out.

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 10 Feb 2010, 10:22

I'm with jetskier here, variable vanes lol.

The amount of labor involved in pulling the turbo is HUGE. Probably not a good idea when you are not 100% sure you have ruled out other possibilities. I would take it to a more experienced Volvo tech before you spend the money. Your car has as many modules as a fighter jet. Its got so much going on that even an above average tech with no Volvo diagnostic knowledge will have a tough time here. I hope it works out for you.

Jon123 · Post by **Jon123** » 10 Feb 2010, 12:27

Hi all,
What a fantastic site, I wish I had found it years ago!!!
Spoke to the garage, the code related to air pressure. We changed the air pressure modual some months ago so we know its not that. The garage say that when the engine is under load/going uphill more air is forced through the turbo ie more power, if the vains stick the computer recognises this as a major engine problem and goes into "limp home mode".
This problem occured durning the original warrenty period so the dealer is carrying out the repair/fix at his cost, therfore I guess he will only do jobs which are essential and most likely to solve the problem.
I let yu know how I get on, the car is going in on the 17/02/10.

pjohnson · Post by **pjohnson** » 22 Feb 2010, 18:56

I had the EXACT thing happen to me on the way home tonight! (I just posted a comment called 'Alternator?' Seemed like a reasonable novice diagnosis at the time...) I was even heading up a hill when it happened. I'll be interested in knowing what your mechanic says. My car's sitting on a tow truck til tomorrow morning.

Thanks!
Paige