2004 S60 CEM/TCM issues

Nikki · Post by **Nikki** » 03 Nov 2017, 15:08

For about 10 years I've been having intermittent and seemingly related issues with my S60. The symptoms present as anything from no start, hard shift, start but won't stay running, limp home mode, all dash lights on and no guages working, and more, often with multiple of these issues appearing at one time, and often going away once I turn the car off an back on. The car has run consistently with no issues for 3 years, and one person is convinced that it is because we have only used one key, inserted "this way up" every time. after this 3 year honeymoon, I tried another spare key, just to see what would happen, and now all of the same symptoms have returned, again intermittently. I have replaced the BCM, CEM, ABS module housing, traced all wiring, replaced keys, antenna ring and more. Has anyone ever had issues like this? I have attached a list of symptoms, codes and repairs over the years. HELP!

Post by **oragex** » 03 Nov 2017, 17:36

Doesn't look like a situation for an easy advice, but have your tried a battery booster when the engine has trouble keeping the idle or firing up? Or at least measuring the alternator voltage with most electrics turned on?

On the other side the fact that simply using another key has re-triggered all the behavior, may point to a programming thing. Do you remember what was done 3 years ago just before the car started working fine?

Nikki · Post by **Nikki** » 03 Nov 2017, 18:08

Actually, three years ago, the normal symptoms presented, and my Volvo specialist said I needed a transmission. I got a different car (08 C30) and have been using this one somewhat infrequently since. Nothing has been done, other than resetting the codes. I'm revisiting the issue because I'm hoping to make it my teenage daughter's car next summer, and want to make sure it is dependable for her. I have not tried the battery booster, or measuring the alternator voltage with most electrics turned on. We'll try it. Thanks.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Nov 2017, 20:12

I would discard the thoughts on the key and orientation as spurious to the issues at hand.

That's a long history of CAN bus bad communications.

Nikki · Post by **Nikki** » 03 Nov 2017, 21:34

I wasn't convinced about the key either, but still find it odd that the problem only came back after trying another key, after 3 years. I'm toying with the idea of getting a whole new key and seeing if there's any difference, but hate spending that kind of money if there's not really any likelihood it'll work. I'm not really sure what the latter part of your comment means. Lots of codes, meaning it's not likely key related?

Post by **abscate** » 04 Nov 2017, 09:53

If you have gone back and tried the previously working key in the special orientation and it doesn't work, it is time to move on from that theory.

You need a good Volvo specialist to hook this up to VIDA and see what is not talking to what. Otherwise about all you can do is scout the web and unseat and reseat each module to try and fix a intermittent connector issue

Post by **oragex** » 04 Nov 2017, 10:56

As above. I noticed you mentioned many modules having being replaced... the 2004 model was indeed the first year to have issues with the CEM because it would get water leaking on top of it (sometimes caused by a clogged sunroof drain tube - just google up about it 'volvo CEM water sunroof drain' you will find plenty of information on the subject). At no point was the transmission in cause, you were fortunate not to spend for that repair (speaking of these repairs, it appears your mechanic doesn't know well these cars).

Many people had the CEM repaired by a company named Xemodex. Not saying it's the CEM - you mentioned it was replaced but if water still leaks on top of the new one you will be back with the same issue, but it is a starting point. it will cause all CAN bus communications issues causing plenty of other systems to act weirdly and the transmission behaving is one of them. When water leaks on the CEM it will usually show as traces on the module so it's easy to check. Be sure to fix the clogged drains or add something to protect the module if this was the real cause.

Nikki · Post by **Nikki** » 04 Nov 2017, 12:59

I've had two dealerships and two independent Volvo specialists try to diagnose this problem, to no avail. We did find the water leak bulletin and took whatever steps were recommended for that, again to no avail. I think the transmission diagnosis was based on the hard shifting (intermittent, and not always in conjunction with other symptoms) and the TCM codes that were thrown at the last code reading. I had been speculating (hoping) that using a bad key may have scrambled something in the computer that made it have problems even with the good key, but after resetting the codes and doing a hard battery reset things still aren't working dependably. I will have them check again for the water leak issue. Thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 04 Nov 2017, 13:21

Nikki, post your general location and let’s see if we have anyone in the group nearby who can get you through this.

I’ve met about5 people on MVS in person and now even have a fellow sufferer in Albany who works with me on stuff

No one can afford to pay shop hours for tracking down stuff like this so Forum help is best way to approach this.

CEM sure in central to all that trouble

Nikki · Post by **Nikki** » 04 Nov 2017, 15:49

The odd thing is that I am now located in Tucson Arizona, but have taken the car back to my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, because I have connections to an independent shop there that is helping me out (unfortunately not with free service!). When the issues recurred in Tucson, I drove the car to Charlottesville with no issues and bought another Volvo to take back to Tucson. It has been suggested that I try replacing the CEM again, but that's a pretty expensive option if there's no way to be sure it will work!