Instrument light "Fault in the engine electronic system" constantly on while driving

Rosemary · Post by **Rosemary** » 10 Jan 2017, 01:42

Hi...Three weeks ago the instrument light advising "Fault in the engine electronic system" is constantly on while driving My 1999 S 70 2.5 20V Sedan.

Car is running really well. I live in rural WA...300 kms from nearest Volvo dealer. Is this warning light a problem?

Thank you, Rosemary

Post by **abscate** » 10 Jan 2017, 02:25

Gooday, Rosemary!

Being so rural it would be code to have a simple code reader, about $20 US, so you can actually read the codes the car has stored. Underneath that message is a code like this:

p0455

Which tells you , for instance, there is a leak in the evap system.

This tells you both where to look, and we here can tell you if it's a " stop driving , fix it now" or " drive it and fix it this weekend" or " live with it until Christmas"

We have some great members in AUS but since my Australian geography consists of knowing its under Pennsylvania somewhere I don't know if they are close.. Ok, it's not that bad but mike will chime in I'm sure

Cheers!

Post by **precopster** » 10 Jan 2017, 04:37

I guess it's the same as the Check Engine Light however in all local Aussie versions of Volvos I've tested or helped diagnose I've never seen this message. This car could be a fully imported car from another market such as UK, New Zealand or Japan and being from WA I don't doubt it as the import laws over there are not as strict as VIc or NSW.

In any case you'll need a code reader. It can be anything from a failing electronic throttle to a faulty O2 sensor or even a bad brake pedal sensor. The code reader for post 1998 Volvos is a Vida/Dice system which will read all systems in the car very accurately but these require a Win 7 Pro laptop and lots of RAM. You COULD try to read it with an Autel code reader like a MD801 from Ali Express for under $100 (just select a good seller with feedback). I find the cheaper code readers just can't delve deeply enough into Volvo engine diagnostics. The cheapest is a ELM327 bluetooth reader which pairs with a phone or a Android pad for about $15.

Once you have a reader just open the centre console and flip open the OBDII marked plastic panel and you'll find a plug in there for diagnostics. DON"T use a Vol-FCR diag cable which is ONLY for 1995-1998 models as it can actually damage the immobiliser section of the car.

Rosemary · Post by **Rosemary** » 10 Jan 2017, 20:59

Hi Guys
Many thanks for your replies and info. Just delved into the booklets I have from the last (original) owner....I am the second owner of this Volvo S70.

Looks like car came from Volvo Australia Chatswood, NSW. Then there is a Delivery Service Carried Out with a stamp...dated 01/12/1999 at 25 kms.this is a dealer's stamp from Minto, NSW 2566. The car was purchased Jan 2000 from a Volvo dealer in Osborne Park, Perth, WA.

Mike...I found more info in the Owner's Manuel (TP4328/1) re the warning light...(which looks like an engine)...it says..."Engine management system malfunction"...If the warning light is still on after the engine has started a malfunction has been detected by one of the on-board diagnostic systems. The fault detected will probably result in the engine failing to meet emission standards. Drive the car to a Volvo dealer to be checked...

Sorry my knowledge is poor re cars...FYI...the car has 105,877 kms on the clock...engine looks very clean? Many thanks, Rosemary

Post by **precopster** » 11 Jan 2017, 02:33

Hi Rosemary. Just to clarify do you have an icon lit up in the dashboard which looks like the one below or do you have a message in the trip computer area as well as the icon below?

Either way you'll still need a code reader to determine exactly what the fault is.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Jan 2017, 03:17

That's really low kilometers for a 1999! There are a huge range of things that can make the engine symbol light up, many of them small things easily put right. The next step is to get the codes read, and to be sure to get the p1234 format ( P followed by 4 numbers) if you have some read them for you,

On edit: spellcheck fail

Rosemary · Post by **Rosemary** » 11 Jan 2017, 04:51

Hi Guys

Many thanks for all your help...Mike and Abscate.

Mike: Yes...that is exactly the icon that is lit up on the dashboard. No....I do not have a message (in the trip computer area) as well as the icon...

Just to let you guys know...this light came on...after the battery went flat and I recharged the battery...light has stayed on when car being driven.

Could this mean something....maybe important? Thank you, Rosemary

Post by **abscate** » 11 Jan 2017, 06:38

Hmmm.. Could be. On the later models (called P2s) a dead battery often gives all kind of funky messages but you own one of the "Bastards" (sorry) like me - the 1999-2000 model year are kind of a generation in between the self important Baby Boomer P80s and the "I want a trophy" Millennial P2s.

Ive run my 1999 battery flat several times but don't remember getting codes because of it.

Post by **precopster** » 11 Jan 2017, 16:46

I wonder if Rosemary should disconnect one lead of the battery, then touch it to the other terminal and then reconnect it for a full reset.

Sometimes the computers can get a bit funky on reconnect and cause problems . Just an idea. Kilometres are a little low for ETM failure.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Jan 2017, 19:03

Give mikes advice a try, Rosemary. Just remember, the negative terminal of the battery must have nothing attached to it, no wires of any kind, take off the clamp then touch it to the positive one for a few seconds. This will clear your check engine symbol if it's a minor fault. Then drive like usual and see if it returns