Volvo S60 Common Problems and Solutions
ABS Light Illuminated
Problem:
The ABS light is illuminated, as well as some of the other dash warning lights.
Solution:
Your ABS control module has failed, which is relatively common on the S60. The only solution is going to be to replace the entire failed control module, which can be a fiddly job, but the replacement module is easy to find in our online store.
Difficulty level
ABS Control Unit ECU
Acceleration Hesitation
Problem:
The car hesitates when you accelerate. This may be accompanied by idle engine issues and an illuminated check engine light.
Solution:
Your mass airflow sensor (MAF) has failed and will need to be replaced. Find a new MAF on our drop-down parts menu, and they are very simple to install.
Difficulty level
Air Flow Mass Sensor
Knocking Sound
Problem:
You can hear a knocking sound coming from the front of the car when driving.
Solution:
This will be caused by your front control arm bushings wearing out. You'll have to replace the worn bushings, but don't forget to check your tyres too. Worn bushings will create alignment issues, which may mean unevenly worn tyres. You can order both new bushings and tyres from our S60 parts list.
Difficulty level
Control Arm Bushes
Loud Clicking
Problem:
You can hear a loud clicking noise when the engine is running. That may be accompanied by grinding or buzzing noises and excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Solution:
Your starter motor is either worn out or almost dead. The best option is going to be ordering a replacement starter motor from BreakerYard. However, if it's an emergency and you can't wait for delivery, then a temporary fix is to tap the starter motor body with something heavy and then restart the car. This should give you the chance to get the car somewhere safe.
Difficulty level
Starter Motor
Poor performance
Problem:
If you are having performance problems with your S60, the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) is known to get blocked by a carbon build up. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor also gets a build up. Poor engine idling, bad starting and lack of power/acceleration are all symptoms of these issues.
Solution:
You can remove the ETM and clean it out with a toothbrush and some sort of cleaner like a throttle body cleaner. Watch the video below to see how to do this. The guy in the video does not use any cleaner, but we strongly recommend that you do. You may also want to remove the MAF sensor and give it a clean with MAF sensor cleaner. This should fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Oil leak
Problem:
If you are noticing that there is an oil leak coming from the rear of the engine, it could be one of two causes. The rear main oil seal or the turbo drain tube are the most common parts to leak in that particular area.
Solution:
Once you have identified exactly which part is causing the oil leak, you will need to fit a replacement one to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Wishbone bushes problem
Problem:
The wishbones on the S60 are known for being very soft. As the wishbone bushes are so soft, you do not get the best performance from the suspension.
Solution:
Before replacing the wishbone bushes, it is recommended that you check them to see if it is worth replacing them. The new ones may be pretty much the same. If your wishbone bushes are damaged, we can help you find replacement ones at very low prices.
Difficulty level
Engine thump
Problem:
When you pull away, are you hearing a thumping or thudding noise coming from the engine? If so, this is an indication that the engine stabilizers (mounts) are broken. On an automatic car, you may also hear this noise when you change from drive into reverse and vice versa.
Solution:
You will need to replace the engine stabilizers to fix this problem.
Difficulty level
Door Lock Popping Up
Problem:
One of the door locks in your S60 keeps popping up.
Solution:
This is being caused by nothing more than a worn-out lock. You'll find a replacement on our parts list, but it can be a tricky installation job because you'll need to remove the relevant door panels to access the locking mechanism.
Difficulty level
Door Lock Mechanism
Bonnet Keeps Popping Open
Problem:
The bonnet keeps unlocking, sometimes when driving.
Solution:
If your car is still under warranty, then a Volvo dealer may adjust the lock for you for free. If your S60 is not still under warranty, then your best bet is going to be to replace the bonnet locking mechanism with a new one from our parts page.
Difficulty level
Bonnet Latch Mechanism
Front Seats Moving When Locked
Problem:
The electric front seats have too much play when they move forward or backward.
Solution:
You have one of the early examples of the S60 that didn't have the correct stops fitted. This can be serious because the seats will move forward or backward too much if you have a collision. Fortunately, front seat stoppers are readily available from our online store, and they are very easy to install.
Difficulty level
Fuel Leak
Problem:
You have noticed a fuel leak.
Solution:
You need to address this quickly because extreme cases will lead to a fire. In the S60, fuel leaks are often caused by the high-pressure fuel lines not being installed correctly. That leads to a leak, which will reduce engine performance and eventually lead to a fire risk. Check your high-pressure fuel lines. It may be that you can pop them back in and secure them yourself. If they have become too degraded, then you'll need to check our parts list and order a replacement.
Difficulty level
Engine Seizure
Problem:
The engine has completely seized.
Solution:
This is being caused by an incorrectly installed radiator hose. The result is a loss of coolant, which is having a negative effect on your engine. If you miss the problem, then your engine is going to overheat and seize. The good news is that you can solve this problem fairly easily by simply ordering a new radiator hose from BreakerYard and get rid of the worn one.
Difficulty level
Radiator Hose
Unusual Smell Inside Car (2.0 ltr Engines)
Problem:
There is an unusual smell inside the car. The engine warning light may also come on, and the engine could hesitate when you accelerate.
Solution:
Affecting around 70,000 Volvos in the UK, this is a serious problem. There's a big risk of a petrol fire, but the solution is still not clear. Your best option is going to be to visit a Volvo dealer for advice because they have yet to offer adequate suggestions.
Difficulty level
Seatbelt Suddenly Loose
Problem:
Your seatbelt has suddenly become very loose.
Solution:
The flexible steel cable that supports the front seatbelt anchor is prone to breakage or fatigue in the S60s built between 2010 and 2018. Look at our parts list for the S60 and order one of the newly designed seat belt fastenings.
Difficulty level
Engine Misfire
Problem:
The engine is misfiring regularly, and you are using a lot more fuel than usual. The engine may also be overheating.
Solution:
If your S60 was built between 2013 and 2016, then it's likely that the plastic inlet manifold on the engine has melted or deformed. You're going to need to order replacement hoses from our online store, but these are very easy to install yourself. However, you're also going to need to have your soot reducing software updated and clean out your TMAP and EMAP.
Difficulty level
Inlet Manifold Plastic
Power Steering Failure
Problem:
It's becoming much harder to steer your car.
Solution:
There are a few possible causes here. It could be that a software issue is causing electrical problems that are affecting the power steering system. A Volvo dealer should sort your software issue very quickly. However, it could also be a failed auxiliary drive belt that powers the power steering pump. We have belts in stock and will deliver your replacement quickly.
Difficulty level
Auxiliary Drivebelt Tensioner
