2008 Volvo S60 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2008 Volvo S60 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2008 Volvo S60 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 2008 Volvo S60 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 steps should I take to diagnose the check engine light on my 2008 Volvo S60?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2008 Volvo S60, start by utilizing an OBD-II scanner, which is essential for reading the trouble codes that trigger the light. Once you have the scanner, turn it on and select the diagnosis option specific to Volvo vehicles. This will allow you to retrieve the relevant codes that indicate the underlying issues. Pay close attention to the symptoms associated with these codes, as they can guide you in determining the necessary repairs. It's crucial to differentiate between the various potential problems indicated by the check engine light, as it can signal anything from minor issues to more significant concerns. For a thorough assessment, consult the trouble codes stored in both the ABS and Anti-skid control modules, as they can provide additional insights into the vehicle's condition. Remember, addressing the check engine light promptly is vital; ignoring it can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs. If you find the diagnosis overwhelming or the repairs beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to ensure your vehicle is properly serviced.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2008 Volvo S60?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2008 Volvo S60, it can be a source of concern for any DIY car owner. One of the first areas to investigate is the vehicle's modules and sensors, as malfunctions in these components can disrupt the powertrain's performance. Additionally, a clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to engine inefficiency and triggering the warning light. Another common issue lies within the fuel delivery system; problems such as a failing fuel pump or clogged fuel injectors can prevent the engine from receiving the necessary fuel, resulting in the check engine light activation. Lastly, don’t overlook the ignition system, as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause misfires, which are often indicated by the check engine light. By systematically checking these areas, DIY enthusiasts can often identify and address the underlying issues, potentially saving on repair costs and ensuring their vehicle runs smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2008 Volvo S60?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2008 Volvo S60, it serves as a critical alert that should not be overlooked. This warning indicates that your vehicle is experiencing an issue that could escalate into more severe problems if left unaddressed. For DIY enthusiasts, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; neglecting the check engine light may lead to costly repairs or even compromise your safety on the road. Common issues, such as a loose gas cap, can often be resolved quickly and easily, making it essential to perform a basic inspection as soon as the light appears. By taking immediate action, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also enhance its longevity, ultimately saving you time and money. Therefore, understanding the potential consequences of ignoring this warning is vital for maintaining your Volvo S60 and ensuring a smooth driving experience.

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