2013 Volvo S80 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 Volvo S80: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 S80 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 S80 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 diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2013 Volvo S80?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 Volvo S80, the first step is to ensure that the brake is engaged before starting the vehicle or shifting into Drive, as this can sometimes resolve minor issues. Next, utilize a generic OBD-II scanner to read any fault codes that may be triggering the light; this will give you a clearer understanding of the underlying problem. Additionally, inspect the instrument cluster for any blown fuses and consider using a specialized Volvo scanner to read fault codes from the instrument cluster module, as this can reveal specific issues related to warning lights. If you notice any anomalies in the instrument cluster, be aware that these may be common problems in Volvo models, including the S60 and V70. Should you find the diagnostics overwhelming or unclear, investing in a reliable diagnostic tool, such as the Foxwell NT716, can provide further insights and assist in pinpointing the issue more accurately. By following these initial steps, you can effectively begin diagnosing the cause of the check engine light and take informed actions to address it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Volvo S80?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2013 Volvo S80, it can be a signal of various underlying issues that may require immediate attention. One common culprit is related to the vehicle's wheel alignment, which can affect overall handling and tire wear. Additionally, neglecting routine maintenance such as coolant flushes can lead to overheating and engine damage, making it crucial to keep up with this service. Fuel system components, including the fuel filter and fuel pump, are also frequent offenders; a clogged filter or failing pump can disrupt fuel delivery, resulting in poor engine performance. Furthermore, issues with the powertrain's modules and sensors can trigger the light, indicating that the vehicle's computer is detecting a malfunction. Lastly, problems with the air filter, fuel delivery, or ignition systems can also contribute to this warning. For DIY enthusiasts, addressing these issues promptly not only helps maintain the vehicle's performance but also prevents more severe complications down the line. Regular diagnostics and maintenance checks can empower you to tackle these common problems effectively.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 Volvo S80?

When the check engine light appears on your 2013 Volvo S80, it serves as a critical alert that should not be ignored. The urgency of addressing this warning cannot be overstated, as neglecting it may lead to serious safety risks and costly repairs. The check engine light can indicate a range of issues, from minor sensor malfunctions to more severe engine problems that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring these symptoms may result in further damage, potentially leading to breakdowns or hazardous driving conditions. Moreover, early intervention can save you money by preventing minor issues from escalating into major repairs. Therefore, it is essential to act promptly by using diagnostic tools to read the fault codes and assess the situation. By doing so, you not only ensure the reliability of your vehicle but also safeguard your safety on the road.

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