2003 S60 DTC Codes ECM-640a and ECM-641a

s60-owner · Post by **s60-owner** » 10 Jun 2015, 12:49

2003 Volvo S60 AWD, 185K miles.
Back in January check engine light came on. Scan indicated P0011. Replaced VVT solenoid and changed the oil (my mechanic used Autozone branded oil). He reset the code, everything was fine until April - check engine, P0014. Replaced the other VVT solenoid. Code didn't go away so asked mechanic to reset code, everything was fine for 2-3 weeks, then check engine light came on again. Scanned it at Autozone, now both codes, P0011 and P0014 show up. I now take it to Volvo dealer, they diagnose it and find ECM-640a and ECM-641a. They say that since the VVT solenoids were replaced, that the VVT hubs now need to be replaced. With timing belt, etc, it's $2775 to fix it. Is it possible that both hubs went bad at the same time? Or could those solenoids be bad? Or is it the oil?
Side note. Car is driven primarily by my daughter to go to school about 5 miles away. Car is kept outside, and was an extremely cold winter when this all started. So I'm questioning if the oil or sludge might be the culprit. I'm having a hard time paying $2775 plus tax for a car that seems to be worth maybe $3500. Inspection is due this month so have to figure out what we're going to do. Thanks in advance.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Jun 2015, 14:41

They say that since the VVT solenoids were replaced, that the VVT hubs now need to be replaced.

WTF? This doesn't sound right.

draser · Post by **draser** » 11 Jun 2015, 06:06

Anyone knows how the vvt hub works? I was under the impression there's just a return spring in there to bring hub back after vvt valve opens.

Post by **vtl** » 11 Jun 2015, 06:27

I guess, T-belt has slipped off one tooth.

My 2005 XC70 threw ECM-671D "Camshaft position, exhaust - Low" and ECM-614B "Exhaust camshaft control - Faulty" when T-belt skipped a tooth on exhaust side (intake camshaft and crankshaft were good). Your case sounds like a tooth skipped on crankshaft, so both sides can't adjust timing in a full range.

This sounds even more realistic, because you mention both deferred t-belt service and start in extremely cold weather - old t-belt tensioner may had bad luck doing its job. At least have t-belt replaced (about $100..150 in parts w/o water pump in 2 hours of work if you are a handy man).