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ABS Fault, then engine quits V70-XC70 1998

For the last few days my '98 V70 AWD has been acting strange. First, the bulb-out indicator started glowing when pressing the brake pedal. OK, thought I'd have to replace a brake light bulb. Then the light went out, never to be seen again. All of the brake lights are working.

Next day, the ABS and TRACS OFF came on during light braking, accompanied by a buzzing brake pedal. A quick panic stop test revealed that the ABS was not working. A few miles later the indicators went out, and the ABS was working again. Next day, same thing happened. The lights came on, stayed on a for a few hours, and went out by themselves. OK, I thought... Maybe the ABS computer is fouled.

Here's the good part: Today, I got in my car after a meeting, and thirty seconds after driving away, the ABS and TRACS lights came on again, but this time the engine quit immediately, and the CHECK ENGINE light came on. I was able to restart the car, but it would only run for about 10 or 15 seconds before quitting again. And that is where things stand right now. The engine will start but only runs for a short time before stumbling and dying again.

Any speculation about what is going on? Are the ABS computers and the engine management computers somehow connected? Or is this a cruel coincidence? Sure am glad I got that VIP warranty!

Thanks,

--Phil








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    Phil, I'm Victor.
    The ABS and the engine computers (ECU) are connected and share information. However, that does not explain why your engine is dying.
    Like John says, you need to get the codes off the engine to see if we can help from there.
    Also, just for the heck of it. Disconnect the large connector to your ABS Control Unit and give it a try. Instructions to disconnect the ABS unit are posted in my web site.
    I'm would be surprised if the problem is solved, but cars are human.

    From another point of view, it sounds like your ABS control unit has failed. All of them will eventually fail.
    I have more information on that in my web site as well.
    Vitor's web page
    Click on the ABS / TRACS Repair link.



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      And the answer is...

      The mass airflow sensor was causing the engine problem. Mechanic says that the ABS problem may have been triggered by a the airflow sensor fault, but I'm skeptical. It shouldn't take long to find out if he's right.

      The ABS problem showed a few days before the engine problem. The engine gave no warning of any problem until it died... no check engine light.

      Thanks to all for the informative replies.

      --Phil



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        Keep my information for the time you are ready to fix the ABS problem.
        Good luck.



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          Hey Victor--

          Thanks for the info. Your site has some great information, and it looks like you're the guy for ABS problems. In my case, if the ABS keeps acting up, I get to let the dealer fix it under my VIP warranty. They covered close to $800 for diagnosing and fixing the mass air sensor. I didn't think that the VIP warranty would cover its cost ($2000), but it went over the top today.

          --Phil



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    Until codes are read, you can only speculate as to the cause. I'm guessing you had an engine about to stall, which would explain the light show and finally stalling completely which is where you are now. The engine stalling could be anything and as already mentioned, only codes will tell you where to start. Fix your engine and I bet all your electronics settle down and things return to normal.
    --
    '82 240DL Stock / Masters Class, '94 850 Fully Loaded / Daily Driver, CVC / VCOA Member http://www.capcan.com/tonyg.htm



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    Bulb light going on-this might indicate a bad brake light. On my 98 V70 T-5, this has been an ongoing problem. The passenger side brake light bulb is not bad, however, there is something wrong with the wiring harness back there-I've never been able to figure it out, but the problem is in the wiring harness and not the brake light bulb-however, maybe you just have a bad brake light bulb.

    On the ABS/TRACS light, this is a common problem. Mine has been acting up lately. Sometimes the lights stay lit for a while and sometimes they don't. I get intermittent activation of the ABS for no apparent reason, other times when I hit a bump they go off. Lots of posts here and on other boards re this issue. You can get it fixed for $145 from victor rochia(sp?). Do a search on ebay for "volvo abs", or here, and you should be able to locate him. Or you can purchase a new abs computer module ranging from about $225 up on ebay. Installation/removal instructions can be obtained from Victor, or by visiting his page on ebay.

    Don't know why the engine would die. My engine was unaffected by the abs/tracs lights being on. When the lights are on, you don't have abs and you don't have traction control. No biggie...

    My experience with the Volvo VIP warranty was not encouraging. Although you might think you have a warranty problem, the dealership is going to charge you an "diagnostic fee", first to determine what the problem is, and then they will have to go to the VIP Warranty people to see if its covered. If the problem is not specifically stated to be a covered component, its not included in the warranty work.
    Good luck.



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