brake failure on 99 s80

pheffo · Post by **pheffo** » 26 Aug 2008, 04:26

My 99 s80 d5 173000 mls and 46 mpg has developed a brake problem.On start up the pedal is very hard and barely stopps the car rolling but if I continue it sorts itself out ,Its as if the servo isnt working or something.Fluid levels ok and no obvious damage to discs or calipers,any ideas??

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 26 Aug 2008, 08:39

Maybe a vacuum leak somewhere? I'd check all the hoses to make sure you don't have a leak. The power brakes use vacuum to assist you. If the vacuum is low, not only to you not have the assist, you have to overcome the resistance of the power assist unit, so it makes it very hard to depress the brake pedal.

pheffo · Post by **pheffo** » 01 Sep 2008, 11:53

Thank you for the suggestion,it hasnt happened since but I took a look at the brahe pipes and didnt see anything amiss.Think Ill just keep an eye on it for a bit and see what happens.Alarm system need servicing appeared on my screen for a few seconds today,any idea what thats about??Thanks for your help.

Post by **billofdurham** » 01 Sep 2008, 12:46

Fault in the alarm system: If a fault has been detected in the alarm system, a message will be displayed in the text window. Contact a Volvo retailer.

That is what the message means and, as I explained in another post on the same subject, all diagnostics on the alarm system are carried out using a Volvo scantool - dealer only. They steal your eyeballs and come back for the sockets!!!

Bill.

pheffo · Post by **pheffo** » 02 Sep 2008, 07:10

Do you know if it will do any harm if I ignore it ?My volvo dealer charges 125 euros per hour and to be honest I can live without an alarm system if it doesnt shut anything else down.Thanks for your help.

Post by **billofdurham** » 02 Sep 2008, 12:31

As far as I can find out nothing else will be affected. I did wonder about the immobiliser, which is in the alarm circuit on some older Volvos, but it has its own circuit on the S80.

Bill.

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 02 Sep 2008, 16:29

pheffo wrote:Do you know if it will do any harm if I ignore it ?My volvo dealer charges 125 euros per hour and to be honest I can live without an alarm system if it doesnt shut anything else down.Thanks for your help.

Mine's been on for about 4 months now and I haven't noticed any Ill effects yet. Most people say that a new siren module is required. Supposedly it's about $280 (U.S.) installed by the dealer.