2013 Volvo C70 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 Volvo C70: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2013 Volvo C70 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2013 Volvo C70 has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2013 Volvo C70?

When diagnosing the check engine light on your 2013 Volvo C70, it's essential to adopt a systematic approach that begins with the most straightforward solutions. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can trigger the light. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, utilize an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in your vehicle's computer. This tool will provide you with specific codes that can guide your next steps. Keep in mind that while a generic scanner can read basic codes, more complex issues may require a specialized Volvo scanner to access codes from various modules, such as the ABS or Transmission. Once you have the codes, research the symptoms associated with them to understand the potential problems. This methodical approach not only helps in identifying the issue but also ensures that you address simpler fixes first, potentially saving you time and money on repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Volvo C70?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2013 Volvo C70, it can signal a variety of underlying issues that may require your attention. One of the most common culprits is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and emissions control. Additionally, problems with the ignition system, such as worn spark plugs, can lead to misfires and reduced engine performance. Regular maintenance tasks like oil changes and brake repairs are also essential, as neglecting these can trigger the warning light. Furthermore, issues with the air filter or fuel delivery system can disrupt the engine's operation, while wheel alignment problems may not directly cause the light to turn on but can affect overall vehicle performance. Lastly, keep an eye on the modules and sensors that manage the powertrain, as faults here can lead to significant issues. Addressing these problems promptly not only helps in turning off the check engine light but also ensures your Volvo C70 runs smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2013 Volvo C70?

Addressing the check engine light on your 2013 Volvo C70 should be treated with urgency, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences. The check engine light serves as a vital indicator of your vehicle's health, signaling that something requires immediate attention. While it may sometimes be triggered by minor issues, such as a loose gas cap, it can also point to more significant problems like catalytic converter failure or issues with the instrument cluster. Ignoring these warnings not only risks escalating the problem but can also lead to costly repairs down the line. By diagnosing and resolving the issue early, you can save both time and money, ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition. Therefore, it is essential to take the check engine light seriously and address it promptly to maintain the safety and reliability of your Volvo C70.

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