Volvo S60 Common Problems and Solutions
ABS Light Illuminated
Problem:
The ABS light is on, along with some of the other warning lights on the dash.
Solution:
Your ABS control module has failed, which is quite common on the S60. The only option is to replace the entire failed module, which can be fiddly, but the replacement module is easy to find in our online store.
Difficulty level
ABS Control Unit ECU
Acceleration Hesitation
Problem:
The car hesitates during acceleration, which may be accompanied by idle engine problems and an illuminated check engine light.
Solution:
Your mass airflow sensor (MAF) has failed and must be replaced. Find a new MAF on our drop-down parts menu, and they are very easy to install.
Difficulty level
Air Flow Mass Sensor
Knocking Sound
Problem:
You can hear a knocking noise coming from the front of the car while driving.
Solution:
This will be caused by your front control arm bushings wearing out. You'll need to replace the worn bushings, but don't forget to check your tyres as well. Worn bushings can cause alignment problems, which may result in uneven tyre wear. 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. This may also be accompanied by grinding or buzzing sounds and excessive smoke from the exhaust.
Solution:
Your starter motor is either worn out or nearly dead. The best option is to order a replacement starter motor from BreakerYard. However, if it's an emergency and you can't wait for it to arrive, a temporary fix is to tap the starter motor body with something heavy and then restart the car. This should allow you to get the car to a safe place.
Difficulty level
Starter Motor
Poor performance
Problem:
If you experience performance issues with your S60, the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) can become blocked by a carbon build-up. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor can also accumulate debris. Symptoms of these issues include poor engine idling, difficulty starting, and a lack of power or acceleration.
Solution:
You can remove the ETM and clean it with a toothbrush and a cleaner such as throttle body cleaner. Watch the video below to see how to do this. The person 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 clean it with a MAF sensor cleaner. This should resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Oil leak
Problem:
If you notice an oil leak from the rear of the engine, it could be caused by one of two issues. The most common parts to leak in that area are the rear main oil seal or the turbo drain tube.
Solution:
Once you have accurately identified the part causing the oil leak, you will need to fit a replacement to resolve it.
Difficulty level
Wishbone bushes problem
Problem:
The wishbones on the S60 are known for being quite soft. As the wishbone bushes are so soft, you do not get optimal performance from the suspension.
Solution:
Before replacing the wishbone bushes, it is advisable to inspect them to determine if replacement is necessary. The new ones may be quite similar. If your wishbone bushes are damaged, we can assist you in finding replacements at very low prices.
Difficulty level
Engine thump
Problem:
When you pull away, do you hear a thumping or thudding noise coming from the engine? If so, this indicates that the engine stabilisers (mounts) are broken. On an automatic car, you might also hear this noise when switching from drive to reverse and vice versa.
Solution:
You will need to replace the engine stabilisers to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Door Lock Popping Up
Problem:
One of the door locks on your S60 keeps popping up.
Solution:
This issue is caused by nothing more than a worn-out lock. You can find a replacement on our parts list, but it can be a tricky job to install 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 while driving.
Solution:
If your car is still under warranty, a Volvo dealer may adjust the lock for free. If your S60 is no longer covered, your best option is 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 excessive play when moving forwards or backwards.
Solution:
You have one of the early S60 models that didn't come with the correct stops fitted. This can be serious because the seats may move too much forward or backward in a collision. Fortunately, front seat stoppers are easily available from our online store and are simple to install.
Difficulty level
Fuel Leak
Problem:
You have observed a fuel leak.
Solution:
You need to address this promptly because extreme cases can lead to a fire. In the S60, fuel leaks are often caused by incorrectly installed high-pressure fuel lines. This results in a leak, which can decrease engine performance and eventually pose a fire risk. Check your high-pressure fuel lines. You might be able to reattach and secure them yourself. If they have become too degraded, then check our parts list and order a replacement.
Difficulty level
Engine Seizure
Problem:
The engine has entirely seized up.
Solution:
This issue is caused by an incorrectly fitted radiator hose. The result is coolant loss, which negatively affects your engine. If you ignore the problem, your engine could overheat and seize. The good news is that you can easily resolve this by ordering a new radiator hose from BreakerYard and replacing the worn one.
Difficulty level
Radiator Hose
Unusual Smell Inside Car (2.0 ltr Engines)
Problem:
There is an unusual odour inside the car. The engine warning light might also illuminate, and the engine could hesitate when you accelerate.
Solution:
Affecting around 70,000 Volvos in the UK, this is a serious issue. There is a significant risk of a petrol fire, though the solution remains unclear. Your best course of action is to visit a Volvo dealer for advice, as they have yet to provide sufficient recommendations.
Difficulty level
Seatbelt Suddenly Loose
Problem:
Your seatbelt has suddenly become very slack.
Solution:
The flexible steel cable supporting the front seatbelt anchor is prone to breakage or fatigue in S60s manufactured between 2010 and 2018. Consult our parts list for the S60 and order one of the newly designed seat belt fastenings.
Difficulty level
Engine Misfire
Problem:
The engine is regularly misfiring, and you're consuming significantly more fuel than usual. The engine may also be overheating.
Solution:
If your S60 was built between 2013 and 2016, it is likely that the plastic inlet manifold on the engine has melted or deformed. You will need to order replacement hoses from our online store, but these are very easy to install yourself. However, you will also 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 increasingly difficult to manoeuvre your car.
Solution:
There are a few potential reasons. It could be that a software problem is causing electrical issues affecting the power steering system. A Volvo dealer should resolve your software problem very quickly. However, it might also be a failed auxiliary drive belt that powers the power steering pump. We have belts in stock and will deliver your replacement promptly.
Difficulty level
Auxiliary Drivebelt Tensioner