2007 XC90 3.2… cem not communicating with rem?

ERO1 · Post by **ERO1** » 13 Oct 2022, 12:33

Hi guys….. been awhile since I’ve been on here. I apologize that this will be a long post!Still have my 850 but now I have acquired a 2007 xc90 3.2. Other than the anti skid service required no real issues until recently. It started choking under load like going up a hill but I could give it some gas and it would go on. Anyway I put my scanner on it and got a couple of evap codes and a number 5 misfire. Replaced gas cap and purge valve and the evap code changed to p0444… circuit open. Still misfire.
Took it to my local mechanic shop and after 2+weeks still didn’t know what the problem was. In fact it was running 10* worse and throwing all kinds of codes. Misfire on 1,2,4 . Solenoid stuck open and several others. Bogging down really bad , no acceleration…etc.
Took the car home, cleared the codes and took it for a drive. Only codes that came back were the original ones except now the misfire was #4 instead of #5. Anyway I decided to check the purge valve myself and found that the connector was not plugged in . Plugged it in and all engine codes left. Was still bogging down..was told could just need an oil change, did that.
Meanwhile, I found that my central locking system was not working. The remote lock on my key was not working, my wiper and washer for rear window not working . Rear lights will start blinking after engine has run a few minutes right in time with hesitation in the motor. And the battery light comes on and the exclamation light turns red.
I do know that for whatever reason the mechanic did remove the ecu…..don’t know if that has anything to do with this. All I know is I have way more issues now than when I took it to the shop.
Sorry this is so long… just trying to be thorough . If any of you have any suggestions I would be forever grateful! Thanks, Ruth

Post by **pgill** » 13 Oct 2022, 15:34

ERO1,

The 3.2 has variable valve lift on the intake camshaft.

The lifting is actuated by a solenoid.

I wrote this on the FREEL2 Board "the variable valve lift is 1, 2, 4 and 3, 5, 6 for Bank 1 and Bank 2"

Dos that look familiar? Bank 1 is cylinder 1, 2, 4

The 3.2 is used by Volvo and by Land Rover.

Here is a link to the Land Rover Board

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic37689.html go to page 3

Another quote from that thread

My Friend in Texas (LR2 Mike) is also replacing his VVL Solenoid

and he can’t find Land Rover LR025967 (Out of stock in the US)

So I texted him Volvo 31216281 is the exact same part in a Volvo box

To replace the Solenoid for Bank 1 you will likely need to lift the engine a couple of inches so that you can take off the bracket that connects the motor mount to the cylinder head.

Have fun

Paul

2010 S80 3.2
2008 LR2 3.2

PS here is a link that talk about the motor mount https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic32979.html

ERO1 · Post by **ERO1** » 14 Oct 2022, 00:21

Thanks for the info Paul but what does that have to do with the rem not communicating with the cem. Codes are CEM-1A5A and CEM-1A64
I’m sure you’re right about the solenoid but I’m really confused about the lack of communication between these modules that just started out of the blue.
Thanks, Ruth

ERO1 · Post by **ERO1** » 14 Oct 2022, 08:48

PS….I am getting a P003C code for dirty or damaged camshaft profile solenoid

Post by **pgill** » 14 Oct 2022, 10:52

Ruth,

Welcome to 3.2 ownership.

Both of my 3.2 are in the P3 Platform, unfortunately your 3.2 is in the P2 Platform so I will be of limited help with P2 specific questions.

However I can provide guidance as to what I would do if I was experiencing problems like the ones that you are having.

Lets start with some assumptions (let me know if these are not accurate)

- 2007 XC90 is experiencing random electrical problems

- Codes are being set but they may or may not return if cleared

- The diagnosis is focused on these random codes

Here is what I would do in this situation.

1. Disconnect the battery so that the ECU voltage drops to Zero Volts (at least 30 minutes)

2. Charge the battery with the leads disconnected (write down how long it takes to fully charge)

3. Connect the leads to the battery and measure the Voltage while cranking

4. If the Voltage dips excessively while cranking then replace the battery (I need to check my data to give you a reference)

5. Did all of the electrical problems just disappear? If yes then you may have an Alternator or Grounding problem.

For reference here is what happened on my LR2 about 8 years ago. The battery struggled to start the engine but I managed to get it started. However the Self Leveling system for the HID Headlights set a fault on the dash (and a corresponding code). I replaced the battery and the fault cleared and never returned. The root cause of the battery problem was the Satellite radio module not turning off but that isn't the important information. The important take away is that I got a fault for something random just because the Voltage dipped too low during cranking. How do you know that you have a CEM to CEM coms problem and not a Voltage problem?

Good luck

Paul

ERO1 · Post by **ERO1** » 14 Oct 2022, 11:31

Update….. I figured out the problem with the cem and rem communication. The fuse for the rem was missing. Do not ask me how cuz I don’t have a clue! It’s not like it could just fall out! I believe I mentioned it had been at a local shop.
Anyway, thank the Lord that it is now fixed. So back to the solenoid. I cleared the codes and it hasn’t thrown it again yet. Monitored the misfire on number 4 which went from 1 to 4 and back to zero. If I kept the rpm’s around 1000 it would stay at 0. Sounds a bit like Dave’s problem. I am a bit confused about what part I need. VVT solenoid, camshaft adjust solenoid or are they the same? I get my parts through FCP but not sure what to order…vida calls it camshaft profile solenoid…
Thanks for your help and all the great info.

chitownV · Post by **chitownV** » 14 Oct 2022, 11:39

Remember that the alternator pulley/decoupler is a known issue (okay if fixed). I would first double-check the voltage you are getting. This is a simple step using almost any scanner and confirming known issue areas are not an issue should first be done.

Have you also searched about the CEM (on pretty much any P2 vehicle variant) getting wet or having issues with this module? You can also search the related cowl drain being clogged which could lead to water intrusion into the interior, thus the CEM. Xemodex is the company Volvo owners go to for CEM help. They may have a checklist online for you to use in troubleshooting. A typical shop or dealership may not spend the time and steps in confirming a CEM issue compared to an owner doing it themselves.

Good luck.

ERO1 · Post by **ERO1** » 14 Oct 2022, 11:57

Thanks, you must have missed the previous post where I found, for God knows why , the fuse for the rem was missing. Replaced and all is well so far. I did have a water issue on the passenger side from the cowl draining in instead of out . Fixed a year ago.
Now my only issue seems to be with the cam profile solenoid. I am fixing to take her for a spin and see what happens.
Will update later…
Thanks again, Ruth

chitownV · Post by **chitownV** » 14 Oct 2022, 12:11

Great!

Post by **pgill** » 14 Oct 2022, 12:17

Ruth,

The Intake has Variable Valve timing and Variable Valve lift.

Variable Valve Timing (1 solenoid per engine) https://landroverforums.com/forum/lr2-3 ... 192/page2/
30731116, Volvo
31251224, Volvo
36002690, Volvo
7G9N9M424AA, FORD
LR011224 LAND ROVER

Variable Valve Lift (2 solenoids per engine)
LR025967 Land Rover
31216281 Volvo

Read carefully what ChitownV wrote he has a XC90 and takes excellent care of it and is well aware of the problem areas.
I wouldn't ignore his advice if I were you even if I wasn't having any problems, it is better to be proactive if you plan on keeping your XC90 much longer.

Good luck

Paul