Brake Failure Please Stop ASAP error...plus lights galore

[Tanh]

Hi All,

I'm a disillusioned owner of a 2000 S80 T6 with all the same symptoms that many of you are having. And have been driving this way for the majority of this year. Living in Ontario though has the benefit of having good Volvo independants and quick access to places like Xemodex (Chris). So here's my story and process so far.

Have not tried the horn bit but will definitely do that next time it comes up. It all started with signs of studdering at idle with the original ETM so I went and pulled some codes and decided to replace with a Xemodex model. Worked fine but a bit sluggish at times. (No fault of the ETM) Then after a transmission flush I decided my boy needed to visit his grandma and we took off. After a few miles the dash became a christmas tree and I got errors regarding brake, SRS, Engine and transmission. Wow, never having had this occur before I pulled over and turned the engine off. Only to find that it would not turn on again immediately. After waiting for a half hour it would start and everything was back to normal except for the error msgs. Read online and saw that some of the problems are connected to the abs module. Took that out and drove to Mississauga for a rebuilt one from Chris. 100 CAD on special cus I bought the ETM from him too. Not bad. Drove back and popped it in cleared codes and started a test drive. (Could only reset Engine, Service, Transmission cus my code reader doesn't do SRS) Drives fine until i openned her up. At 4000 rpm she lit up again. So in haste I also read up on some errors thrown by the transmission. 300 CAD plus 76 CAD shipping later, I had a used 4T65EV-GT with 30 day warranty at my door. It's still not in though as I found out later that the specific codes where communication codes only. so now I have a spare tranny in case I need it.

Decided to see what the volvo specific codes are so I took it to Jonathan in Hamilton. Sorry don't remember what they were but they were all communication codes from various devices going into the ECM. SRS came from drivers side seat belt buckle, ABS from the BCM which knocked out the tachometer that in turn threw the transmission code, speedometer, etc... So stealership only fix, which is why I have not yet fix the problem. My estimate is that a new CEM plus programming will cost at least 1200 CAD or there abouts. The dealer recommended to me for this was BK in Kitchener. For now I've installed a screw type quick disconnect at the - battery terminal and disconnect it at night to stop the battery from draining in case the high speed bus flakes while I sleep. Yes there is parasitic draw when this happens. Even after I took out the bulb in the glove compartment. Harness issue(s)?

For those that don't know where it is, the CEM is under the drivers side dash. You need to take out the center console drivers side moulding, the knee bolster then use a screw driver to shimmy the tab on the left side of the module, pull it towards you to unlatch and pull down to remove. I checked out all my connections and they looked ok.

Does anybody know if a used one can be put in and re-signed to the car? TIA

Cheers,
Tanh

[dcarlson12]

You might wish to invest in one of these diagnostic units from BSR in Sweden.
It will clear all you DTCs including SRS. Then run it again if you have problems to try to locate what needs fixing:

http://en.bsr.se/products/503050/

[cmdeltatto]

I have a 2005 S40 T5 AWD with a 51 tranny. I too have been haveing all the same problems "brake failure please stop safly" "reduced engine proformand" "anti skid services required" "immobilizer please see manual". Except for me when i get the brake failure and i go shut the car off the key doesnt come out it get stock. i have to let it sit for a few min. untill it decides it wants to start. and then all the codes and lights go away. BUT I HAVE NOTICED THAT I ONLY GET THESE CODES AND LIGHTS WHEN IT RAINS FOR SEVERAL DAYS STRAIT AND I DRIVE IN IT. I went four months with out haveing this problem and then last week because it raind all week the codes started poping up agian. i took my car to my local machanic and when he plug it in the car was not spiting out any codes. and he was unable to get it to code. he did however spray it with the hose.(weve havent had anyrain for a few days but we are in the next.) I took the car and drove up the raid and got the car to code " ANTI SKID" AND reduced engine proformance" so i brought it back and pluged it in. this is what it spit out.


CEM CODES

E000
DF17
DE11
DE30
DE6E

ECM CODES

941D
943B
930B
740B
440B
140B
E003

SWM CODES

OA11
E010

BCM ABS SIDE
0115
0094
E003
0148

EPS
0080
0071
E003

CCM CODES
E001

DIM

0001

[Hongdoukid]

Im getting all the same problems on a 98 S80. Did you finally find the fault that was causing the problems as its driving me nuts. Even had another module on but still no luck..

[xHeart]

Hey robby91, uncletom, and april--

Could you post all of the error codes as read by the Volvo system that your cars were putting out for this problem?

It likely would help the rest of us immeasurably...

--grensuvs

Where is CEM on 2001 V70XC? I have same sputter and error messages.

[xHeart]

Replace dead battery, now message box is cleared on all notices. Starts and runs like it was.
Thanks.

[ecf]

Well, it happened to my 2001 Volvo V70 T5. I got the dreaded "BRAKE FAILURE - STOP SAFELY ASAP" message, with the STC, ABS lights lit, and the V70 T5 limping with pulses. I crawled to my mechanic's, which wasn't far away. The mechanic said that it was also throwing transmission codes, and I noticed while he drove it into the bay that the lights on the dash were pulsing along with the car.

My mechanic has warned me that this issue can be difficult to troubleshoot and completely eliminate, and from reading posts here and in other forums, I'm inclined to agree. It seems like it, from most people who have had this issue, it could be the ABS module, the TCM module, the CEM module, or the harness.

While the car has been generally trouble-free even at its advanced age, it did have the ABS module replaced in 2008 and the battery replaced in 2009.

While I'd love to fix it, at its age (and to save time and sanity), I'd prefer not to throw unlimited money at the problem. Here's my question:

Assuming that my mechanic doesn't find a clear reason for the issue after the holiday, if I had the budget to replace *one* of the modules (or perform one procedure costing less than $2000) - after which I'd either drive away or cut my losses - which module would you replace?

I am leaning towards having him replace and resolder the CEM, as the ABS module was already replaced five years ago, and it seems to be the central place where these types of issues come from.

Thoughts? Thanks for your help!

[v50tero]

Hello!

I have exactly the same problem with my 2007 v50 D5... It started about half an year a go, it was at volvo service for three weeks and they said that the problem was at the ''can bus'' and they replaced the CEM control box.. V50 has been working for about four months and the problem came back last week..

So.. Did you ever find what was the real problem at your volvo?

[Angreg]

Robby 91,

I'm having the same problems you had several years ago regarding brake failure, stop asap, dashboard lighting up like a X-mad tree. I'm happy you finally found the problem: replaced the CEM.

My mechanic looked at my '99s80 and the CEM looks like there are burn marks indicating he should replace it (after replacing ignition switch, front idling sensor). My question: did you have to provide the place where you got your CEM with serial numbers? And, did you have to reprogram it? Any help from anyone will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[mrveee661]

A 2000? when was the last time you check your PCV system? the breather box, or pcv box may be going bad. That is an often overlooked system check. it is based on regular oil changes, and also the pcv hose from the top of the engine to the box may get clogged. You can get alot of PCV information from youtube. Also, it is recommended you replace the breather box every 70k miles. Good Luck.