Login Register

Difficulty starting with ECM-201A and ECM-2000 codes

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

Post Reply
ddmd
Posts: 10
Joined: 4 January 2016
Year and Model: 1999 XC70
Location: PA, USA

Difficulty starting with ECM-201A and ECM-2000 codes

Post by ddmd »

Hi Everyone. I can use some help. I have a 2000 V70 XC with 202,000 miles.
I experienced a sudden difficulty starting (long normal sounding cranking, starts after several tries)
along with a CEL. Once running, it seems to run normally. Prior to this, starting was easy and reliable.
A VIDA diagnostic check revealed the following codes:
ECM-201A Thermostat - Faulty signal
ECM-2000 Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor - signal too low

Under related CSC in VIDA for the ECT sensor, it describes difficulty starting "Engine hard to start/cranks slowly,
Unsure when/at all times"

Does anyone know what the relation is between the ECT sensor and starting? Also, in my case, the cranking
is normal (rapid), not slow.

User avatar
abscate
MVS Moderator
Posts: 35275
Joined: 17 February 2013
Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
Has thanked: 1500 times
Been thanked: 3810 times

Post by abscate »

The sensor and wiring can go bad, which then screws up the injection amount sent by the. Engine control module, or ECM. This gives the hard start or even no start

Your 1999 uses a 3 year only ECT part 9125463

If you search that part number, you should find a thread where the resistance measurements are listed for testing, if you know how to use a volt ohm meter
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread

ddmd
Posts: 10
Joined: 4 January 2016
Year and Model: 1999 XC70
Location: PA, USA

Post by ddmd »

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm glad that there's an explanation that makes sense. I found the resistance chart
and will check it.

ddmd
Posts: 10
Joined: 4 January 2016
Year and Model: 1999 XC70
Location: PA, USA

Post by ddmd »

It looks like it's the ECT sensor. It measures >6K ohms at both 0 deg C and 20 deg C.
Thanks for the help! I appreciate it.

User avatar
abscate
MVS Moderator
Posts: 35275
Joined: 17 February 2013
Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
Has thanked: 1500 times
Been thanked: 3810 times

Post by abscate »

You should go OEM on that part, or find one from a runner in a junkyard

Aftermarket reportedly often don't work well.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread

ddmd
Posts: 10
Joined: 4 January 2016
Year and Model: 1999 XC70
Location: PA, USA

Post by ddmd »

Thanks. Yes I did order the OEM parts. Hopefully they'll arrive in a day or so.

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post