Error Messages and Warning Lights in Volvo Cars

Swedish vehicles named Volvo are great luxury cars with a lot of comfort and quite high quality standards. But they still malfunction and cause some misunderstanding when showing error messages and warnings.

In this article, I will tell you about the most common warning lights and errors that you can see in Volvo cars. I will also give you a short explanation of the reasons and ways to fix these problems as well as the links to the full articles.

Hope this helps you solve the problems easily and spend zero dollars on your repairs. Or, at least, avoid spending thousands where it's not necessary.

"Anti-Skid Temporarily Off" message in Volvo

When your Volvo says "Anti-Skid Temporarily Off" (or "Disabled"), you can be sure that there are issues with the traction control or vehicle stability control.

These features embrace dozens of different systems in your vehicle. In some cases, it's worth checking the steering angle sensor which is a very common fault for Volvo cars. But this can also be AWD problems, ABS sensor issues, software problems, etc.

The best solution would be to hook up the scanner to the OBD2 port and see which codes the vehicle gives you. Very often, these codes will allow you to narrow down the possible reasons or even catch the exact problem.

Anti-skid temporarily off message highlights:

• Common reasons:issues in stability control functions, sensors, control modules
• How to fix:read the codes,disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:vehicle's behavior may change
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$650

"SRS Airbag, Service Urgent" message in Volvo

One more very common problem with Volvo cars is the issue with the SRS control module. This is the module that is responsible for airbags deployment and the issue is extremely urgent because the entire safety system of your car may not be working.

Usually, there is a little problem with one of the sensors that works for the SRS system. But, in some cases, especially after minor or serious impacts and collisions, the SRS block will need to be replaced or reprogrammed.

Sometimes, the block may malfunction due to low voltage in your car, so it's worth checking the battery and maybe charging it before paying money to anyone.

SRS airbag, service urgent message highlights:

• Common reasons:SRS module failure, low voltage, sensors failure
• How to fix:charge the battery, read the codes
• Possible consequences:safety system may not be functioning
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,000

"Start-Stop Service Required" message in Volvo

When you see the "Start-Stop Service Required" message in Volvo, this means that the start-stop system can't work properly because of the issue in the power supply system. In most cases, this is all about the low or dying 12V battery (main or auxiliary one).

Of course, some other features may also be the reasons for this problem. Some engine sensors may malfunction and give wrong readings to the ECU. Or some other things may also require attention.

You may check the battery on your own. But if it's not the low voltage problem, you may need professional help with this issue.

Start-Stop Service Required message highlights:

• Common reasons:battery issues, various problems with engine control systems
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes
• Possible consequences:start-stop won't be working
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$200-$550

"Coolant Low, Stop Engine" message in Volvo

There is a sensor in your Volvo that measures the coolant level. If you see the "Coolant Low, Stop Engine" message, I strongly recommend you do exactly what the message says - stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.

Then wait for about 5 minutes and look at the coolant tank. Is the level near the minimum? Or maybe there is no coolant at all in the reservoir? In these cases, you need to top up the coolant as soon as you can. If there is no coolant, don't drive. If the coolant is at a minimum, you can drive and observe the engine temperature constantly.

If the level seems to be good, there may be a problem with the coolant level sensor and it may need replacement.

Coolant low, stop engine message highlights:

• Common reasons:low coolant level, bad sensor
• How to fix:check the coolant level, replace the sensor
• Possible consequences:engine overheating will kill the engine
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$20-$250

"Reduced Engine Performance" message in Volvo

When you see the "Reduced Engine Performance" error message on the dashboard of your Volvo car, you may also see the turtle pictogram. This is a clear sign that your engine has limited power and revolutions now due to computer limitations.

This may happen because of a ton of different reasons. Usually, when you see this message, there should be some other warnings on the dash that will tell you about the actual problems with the engine. At least, the check engine light.

Reading the codes or just disconnecting the battery for some time may help you get rid of the message. To repair the consistent problem, you will need professional help.

Reduced engine performance message highlights:

• Common reasons:engine management problem, actual engine damage, transmission damage
• How to fix:read the codes, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:engine damage, transmission damage
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$800

"SCR System Fault" message in Volvo

This message will only pop up on the dashes of heavy-duty trucks, not passenger cars. While in most cases, you will need to read the codes and see what triggers the problem, you may try checking the fuses.

It's very common for Volvo trucks to have several weak fuses in the ECM and ACM module chains and they may cause this message when they are blown. Also, the aftertreatment system is a very likely culprit for this problem. What you need to do is to check if there is corrosion in electrical connections in the aftertreatment control module (near your DEF tank).

Usually, scanning for codes helps you find the problem easily. But solving the issue is still a task for a professional mechanic.

SCR system fault message highlights:

• Common reasons:aftertreatment system problems, blown fuses
• How to fix:read the codes, check the connections in aftertreatment control module
• Possible consequences:derated engine, issues with emission control
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,000