Volvo XC70 Haldex Problems - Symptoms and Best Fixes

A Haldex system basically features a clutch, electronic valve, and hydraulic pump. It has a control module that manages its workings and connects to other modules in your Volvo XC70. And like any other vehicle system, this system is prone to many faults.

The most common symptoms of Volvo XC70 Haldex problems are the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that are generated and the "Anti Skid Service Required" message that pops up on the dashboard. Examples of such faults are pump failure, damaged/unresponsive control modules, etc.

The above symptoms have been explained in this guide followed by repair advice for each. You'll also read a brief background on your XC70, the Haldex generations, and more. Such information will help you in understanding your car better.

Volvo XC70: Background

Your Volvo XC70 is made on the same vehicle platform as the Volvo S60, S80, V70 Estate, and XC90. But you'll find many differences in their exteriors. For example, the bumpers.

The "XC" in XC70 means cross country, implying that it's engineered for plying all road types. Its traction is guaranteed to be consistent regardless of how rough the terrain is. You can use it for off-roading.

XC70s are as safe as their sister models, such as the V70s. They have sturdy builds that can withstand serious collisions during accidents.

What Is the Haldex System?

Haldex systems are smart all-wheel-drive systems that are featured on various car makes and models including Volvos. Other car manufacturers that have adopted this system for some of their vehicles are Volkswagen, Ford, Land Rover, GM, Saab Automobile, etc.

No Volvo XC70 was equipped with the first-generation Haldex. It all started with the second-generation versions. We've discussed the five generations below.

1) First generation

This began in 1998 with Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. It has a mechanical, hydraulic all-wheel-drive design that features electronic control.

2) Second generation

This 2001 release introduced pressure control sensors to the part list while developing the solenoid operating system further. It came with a rigid 4×4 design and differential determining how much drive should be focused on the rear wheels.

3) Third Generation

Your third-generation Haldex was released in 2006 to offer a better (sharper) off-road experience. Volvo refers to this improvement as "Instant Traction".

4) Fourth Generation

It was started in 2007 and the advancements made were mainly cost-driven with additional upgrades for the smart torque. Haldex's manufacturer got rid of the weighty differential pump system for this set.

5) Fifth Generation

The fifth generation Haldex is on the 2013 Xc70 and later model years, but it actually came in 2012. It's engineered to reduce the complexity of the system and simplify its connection to the drivetrain. These systems make use of integrated electronic control units.

Haldex System Maintenance

Dirty or contaminated Haldex fluid or oil can be damaging to the system's parts, thereby having adverse effects on performance. It can cause clutch or pump burnout as well as overheating in the coupling. These will result in system failure or loss of the rear drive.

You'll only have yourself to blame if the worn parts or fluid aren't swapped out when due for replacement. The pump will be highly prone to failing if your car is a high-mileage vehicle. It will be a wise decision to examine it more often in this case.

Haldex fluid isn't lubricating oil like what's poured into transmissions or engines. It's a special oil that enhances clutch plate friction. Certain particles or contaminants begin to accumulate in the oil as time passes, prompting the need for a fluid change at a reasonable point.

The fluid filter will also be replaced as well. Modern Haldex systems come with strainers instead of filters. But you'll still have to clean them during the oil swap. We'll elaborate more on fluid maintenance in the coming subheadings.

Note: The Fifth generation system is still regarded as complicated even though it has the simplest design among the list of generations.

Volvo XC70 Haldex System Repairs

This section describes symptoms and best fixes for XC70 Haldex. We touched on pump failure, coupling wear, controller corrosion/damage, and dirty fluid.

1) Pump Failure

A Haldex pump is the part that gets faulty the most in the system. It can get worn or dirty after a long time frame because of corrosion and contaminants. Sludge forms because of the contaminants, thus straining the pump and wearing it out.

You may not realize the condition of the pump until it's too late. So perform routine maintenance checks for this item regularly.

Symptoms of Pump Failure:

The Haldex system only giving you access to the front-wheel-drive when you opt for the 4wd system.

The following error codes linked to pump problems may pop up on fourth-generation systems:

• 00448---Haldex Clutch Pump V181---Lower Limited Exceeded
• 00448---Haldex Clutch Pump V181---Open Circuit/Defective

Note: Those of the fifth-generation the Haldex of been listed in a different section.

Best Fixes for Pump Failure

You'd need to clean out the system and change the pump to fix this component properly. There'll be a need for an oil swap and a new filter as well to boost the life span of the pump. Thankfully, it's one of the items that's very simple to repair.

The oil has to be drained and replaced regularly just as your engine oil or transmission oil. And this goes for their filters as well. It should happen at least every mileage of 20,000.

2) Coupling Wear

This is an uncommon fault that's most likely to occur when you modify the vehicle outside of the standard limits. Pump failure and controller damage can also affect this system's durability.

Symptoms of Coupling Wear:

• Signs of wear

• Error codes

Best Fixes for Coupling Wear

This fault requires the swapping out of the coupling along with the fluid and filter.

3) Controller Corrosion/Damage

This item's damage or corrosion is common especially because of water (moisture) and particles. It happens to the second, third, fourth, and fifth Haldex generations. Circuit board damage can result in many fault codes as listed below.

Symptoms:

Possibility of the following fault codes coming up:

• 00003---Control Module Faulty---Defective

• 65535---Internal Control Module Memory Error

• 01324---All Wheel Drive Module---No Communication/Signal

• 00448---Haldex Clutch Pump V181---Defective

• 02248---Valve for Controlling Clutch Operating Angle---Defective

• 16347---Control Module---EEPROM Error

• 02249---Sensor for Oil Pressure/Oil Temperature---No Signal

Note: Some scan results may diagnose the pump incorrectly.

Best Fixes for Controller Damage/Corrosion

Strip down the controller and repair or swap it out depending on the extent of the damage.

4) Dirty Fluid

This is a very common issue that is caused by a lack of oil and filter maintenance. The fluid/oil is often neglected by many car owners. Most don't even know about its existence. Dirty oil results in damage to the system's pump.

Symptoms of Dirty Fluid:

• System Wear
• Faults developing in other components.

Best Fixes for Dirty Fluid:

• Drained out the fluid totally

• Uninstall and clean the pump

• Replace the oil and filter. Avoid using the wrong oil as a replacement fluid or it will cause problems in the system.

5) "Anti Skid Service Required"

The "Anti Skid Service Required" warning on your dashboard comes up when there's a problem with the Haldex. This system is also called the differential electronic module or DEM by Volvo. Error codes that could come up include the following:

• CEM---1A64
• BCM---00095
• BCM---00094
• DEM---0007
• DEM---0002
• DEM---0003
• DEM---0008
• DEM---0006
• BCM 00095, BCM 00094, and CEM 1A64 point toward communication issues with the body control module (BCM) and central control module (CEM).

One crucial part of a Volvo XC70 Haldex system fix is that the replacement part or software must be compatible with the vehicle. There are various software types, so keep in mind that a 2005 package won't work for a 2004-compatible Volvo XC70.

Also, a petrol engine XC70 won't match a diesel package. And a manual gearbox XC70 won't match an automatic gearbox package. Any mix-up will mean that the system won't be able to interact with other vehicle modules.

Common Issues with Fifth-Generation Haldex All-Wheel-Drive Systems

You can use the list below in diagnosing your Volvo XC70 if its Haldex is a fifth-generation all-wheel-drive spec. Scan results may bring up any or a combination of the following:

Typical Pump Error Codes:

• C111307---Mechanical Malfunction---Passive/Sporadic
• 16671---Pump for Haldex Clutch---C111204[008] Internal System Fault
• 16671---Haldex Clutch Pump Faulty---C111204 Passive/Sporadic
• 16668---Pump for Haldex Clutch C111207[008]---Mechanical Failure Intermittent
• 16666---Pump for Haldex Clutch---Open Circuit
• 16670---All-Wheel-Drive C111307[008]---Mechanical Failure

Typical ECU Error Codes:

• 131599---Control Module for All-Wheel-Drive Clutch---C111307 Intermittent error
• 131599---All-Wheel-Drive Clutch---U011400[009]---No Communication

Conclusion

Various factors can affect the lifespan of your Volvo XC70; such as driving habits, climate, maintenance culture, etc. So ensure that you treat the car right based on these considerations and the generation of the Haldex. Volvos cars generally last for an average of 20 years and you should expect a mileage of 200,000.