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2004 v70 "BrakeFailure,Stop Safely"

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's stylish, distinctive P2 platform cars sold as model years 2001-2007 (North American market year designations).

2001 - 2007 V70
2001 - 2004 V70 XC (Cross Country)
2004 - 2007 XC70 (Cross Country)
2001 - 2009 S60
2003 - 2007 S60 R
2004 - 2007 V70 R

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Faust
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2004 v70 "BrakeFailure,Stop Safely"

Post by Faust »

I have an '04 V70 NA, which I have had for about a year. For as long as I can remember the "Brake Failure, Stop Safely" message has been on, the only ill effect I can recall is inoperable ABS in the snow. In fact the car would pull itself to the right making me think the left hand front brake was not operating at all.
Other symptoms:
Error Message
Red "BRAKE" light on dash
Yellow ABS light on dash
Possibly related, my odometer has become very spotty, registering about 12 miles over the last 200. Possibly speed sensor.

Brake master is full. Parking brake is inoperable, but probably adjustment.
I had it scanned at a parts store to day, it returned "no codes". I am wondering about the skill of the operator.
There does seem to be slight loss as I hold my foot on the brake pedal.

Thoughts?

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- Pete -
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Post by - Pete - »

My only experience with this has been a corrupted/failed BCM/ABS module (Braking Control Module).

Xemodex, one of the sites sponsors, is able to repair the modules. The price has come down over the years, back when it happened to mine it was around $600 w/expedited return shipping.
Last I checked it was noticeably lower than what I paid.

Like you’ve noticed, nothing really horrific happens, other than loss of ABS on slick stuff (which I suppose could be bad in some situations). I suppose traction control may be affected as well since the vehicle uses ABS to control wheel spin.

Canadian company with excellent service, turnaround time, and reviews.

https://xemodex.com/us/brake-control-mo ... -services/
2001 V70XC 200k
2004 V70 AWD 174k
2004 V70R M66 147k
2004 XC70 361k
1995 F250 7.3PSD 262k
2014 Ram 3500 DRW 116k

Faust
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Post by Faust »

I have an identical car with a blown engine under the barn. Any reason why I can't just switch modules?
2004 V70
1964 Plymouth Convert (small block)
1967 Dodge Coronet (big block)

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oragex
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Post by oragex »

See first if it has the same STC vs DSTC. The modules may or may not work, have to test try assuming it has the same connector
Also see what others have to say about the issue, maybe it turns out to be a simpler fix, check reluctor rings while there for cracks

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shiloh51933
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Post by shiloh51933 »

Faust wrote: 05 Feb 2020, 16:04 I have an '04 V70 NA, which I have had for about a year. For as long as I can remember the "Brake Failure, Stop Safely" message has been on, the only ill effect I can recall is inoperable ABS in the snow. In fact the car would pull itself to the right making me think the left hand front brake was not operating at all.
Other symptoms:
Error Message
Red "BRAKE" light on dash
Yellow ABS light on dash
Possibly related, my odometer has become very spotty, registering about 12 miles over the last 200. Possibly speed sensor.

Brake master is full. Parking brake is inoperable, but probably adjustment.
I had it scanned at a parts store to day, it returned "no codes". I am wondering about the skill of the operator.
There does seem to be slight loss as I hold my foot on the brake pedal.

Thoughts?
Possibly wheel speed sensor but sounds like ABS module.
If U Wanna Play U Gotta Pay!!
Present Volvo Ownership:
2008 Volvo XC90 V8 Black
2004 Volvo XC70 OEM-HID model Silver
Previously Owned Volvo:
1996 Volvo 850 GLT Silver
1998 Volvo V70XC Dark Blue
1998 Volvo V70XC Dark Blue
2000 Volvo V70XC/SE Dark Blue
2004 Volvo XC90 T6 Gold

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- Pete -
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Post by - Pete - »

I didn't mean to scare you by posting that about Xemodex, my apologies. Your symptoms just sounded much like I recall mine as being.

Edit: I'd totally try swapping the BCM module into your running car. For the blind work you'll need torx bits, can't recall which size but quite long bolts come out, then the module just "drops" straight off the bottom of the ABS unit. Cleanliness is important here. I believe there is an informative video on Xemodex's site.

Here it is - https://xemodex.com/us/knowledgebase/bc ... 2002-2013/

Does your reservoir drop in level at all? Have you inspected every caliper where the hard lines come in (also bleeders) & checked each CV shafts center bolt (accessible by taking your wheel center cap off) for tightness?

Here is the ABS/BCM module failure flow chart by Xemodex.

https://xemodex.com/us/knowledgebase/bc ... 2002-2004/

In my case I was in the middle of nowhere & couldn't access BCM codes & so had to just send it in hoping they wouldn't need my pump as well. I was fortunate in that regard. BCM only repair is cheaper than both.
2001 V70XC 200k
2004 V70 AWD 174k
2004 V70R M66 147k
2004 XC70 361k
1995 F250 7.3PSD 262k
2014 Ram 3500 DRW 116k

Faust
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Post by Faust »

Thank you. I had already discovered the video on removal, but the flow chart was helpful. As I mentioned, I had it scanned and received "no codes". That was done at an auto parts store and I suspected "fault of the operator". The flow chart mentions "no codes", or "unable to communicate". Flow chart suggests replacement of relays, otherwise send in BCM for repair. Since I have them, I will replace the relays. But it does suggest the BCM is the problem. My major character flaw is that I couldn't wire a door bell.
2004 V70
1964 Plymouth Convert (small block)
1967 Dodge Coronet (big block)

vtl
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Post by vtl »

Read the codes first using DiCE+VIDA. It may be as simple as rusted tone ring, lost axle bolt or less work-intensive brake pedal sensors. You may also have a corroded DEM that kills communication with BCM. just to scare you :) Numerous possibilities, read the codes.

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