Electrical Power System Service Required

showoff134 · Post by **showoff134** » 25 Jan 2011, 08:15

I was driving home on a cold night and suddenly my message center showed the warning, "EL POWER SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED". My dashboard and headlights dimmed, the radio began to cut out, the ABS and traction control lights began flashing and the battery light was on. I was able to drive it home, but then the car would not start, battery was original to the 1999 s80 2.9 with 177,777 miles on it, so I replaced it and the car started, but the electrical power system service required message and the battery light stayed on. I took it to a local volvo specialist and they said it had a charging issue and began trouble shooting it. Currently they are telling me that they want to replace the CEM, but they are not sure if that would fix it. I need to know what could be wrong with my car and what to do, any and all help is appreciated.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 25 Jan 2011, 10:03

CEM seems a bit extreme to me. Did you get a report on the alternator? Voltages while running?

showoff134 · Post by **showoff134** » 25 Jan 2011, 10:07

They said the alternator checked out ok, but I did not get a voltage report while running, I'm assuming that since the battery light is on the car is not at the proper voltage level.

showoff134 · Post by **showoff134** » 25 Jan 2011, 13:33

Turned out to be a bad alternator as well as a bad wire to the CEM, shop charged me $650, a little steep but it was in the bay for about 2 days and still a lot less than a dealership would have charged.