2000 S70 Speedometer dies, then idiot lights all come on...

[hager13903]

I recently bought a 2000 S70 with 144k. It has been well-used, but also well-maintained. My mechanic checked it out and said the engine is in great shape, though there is the usual wear and tear on parts in a car this old. However, the day after I brought it home, the speedometer/odometer crapped out and all the idiot lights lit up like a disco, and it felt like skipping in the transmission. Then everything randomly returned to normal. The engine seems to run normally through both states. I'm not sure where to begin in finding a solution and would greatly appreciate any advice...

[BEJinFbk]

Sounds like classic ABS module failure.
I’d wander through Matty Moo’s ABS site
and read up. Lots of good info there:

https://www.midwest-abs.com

[RickHaleParker]

I'm not sure where to begin in finding a solution and would greatly appreciate any advice...

Get a code scanner so you can communicate with the car.
When communicating is established, the ODB will tell you where it hurts.

Vida-DiCE is the best code scanner for your Volvo
Vida = Vehicle Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales.
DiCE = Diagnostic Communication Equipment.

You can get Vida-DiCE on eBay for about $80.00 Look for Full Chip, Original Design and J2534.

Did you get the maintenance records with the car? Some people, when they know they will be getting rid of a car will defer maintenance and repair expenses onto the next owner.

If you did get the maintenance records, a good full maintenance reset never hurts. Just doing the maintenance on the transmission may clear up shift problems. If you don't know how many miles on the timing belt, make a new timing belt top priority.

[scot850]

The Christmas tree is likely the ABS module as suggested earlier and there may also be a worn out ignition key electrical contact.

Neither are hard to replace. I'd start there and then re-set the warning lights and see what if anything comes back.

Neil.