Dash Warning Lights

2004_v40_sf · Post by **2004_v40_sf** » 13 Jan 2009, 14:50

Hi -

2 questions about warning lights on my 2004 V40 with 71k miles:

1) The 'Check Engine' light comes on intermittently - about 30% of the time. I called my local Volvo guy and he said it costs $90 to have the car hooked up to the computer to check the codes. Is this fair price? Is this something I should have done pronto, or is it OK to wait until the light comes on more frequently?

2) Occasionally, again about 30-40% on start up, the 'immobilizer' light comes on (it's the car graphic with a line through it). I've been told it's to do with the remote entry keys, etc., but I haven't been able to figure out exactly what that means. We don't drive the car with both keys in it and both keys - remotes - work well. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2009, 16:30

Don't pay the dealer $90 to get your codes read.
Most Auto Zone's will read them for you for free.
Get them read and then come back and post them up.
They will help us help you determine what's going on.

2004_v40_sf · Post by **2004_v40_sf** » 13 Jan 2009, 17:14

Thanks for responding.

Prior to posting, I called around to the AutoZones here in the San Francisco Bay Area and learned that they no longer offer that service. They referred me to Midas, who charges $135.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Jan 2009, 17:34

In that case (I had recently heard that S.F. AutoZone's don't do it...like just a few days ago), just go buy a scan tool at Harbor Freight- a cheap one that will read and reset OBD-II codes will be good enough and you'll be out of pocket about $40. It will be good to have in the future as well.