2021 Volvo V60 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2021 Volvo V60: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2021 Volvo V60 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 2021 Volvo V60 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 2021 Volvo V60?

When diagnosing the check engine light on a 2021 Volvo V60, it's crucial to follow a methodical approach that emphasizes simpler solutions first. Begin by checking for any additional warning lights on the dashboard, as they can provide important context about the vehicle's condition. Next, inspect the gas cap to ensure it is securely tightened, as a loose cap is a frequent trigger for the check engine light. After that, visually examine the vehicle for any obvious signs of damage, such as leaks or loose wiring, which may indicate more significant issues. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is an essential step in this process, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes that can help pinpoint the problem. Be sure to consult your owner's manual to interpret these codes and explore potential solutions. If these preliminary steps do not resolve the issue, or if the error codes suggest a more complex problem, it is wise to seek help from a qualified mechanic or dealership for a thorough diagnosis and repair. By adhering to this structured diagnostic approach, you can effectively identify the cause of the check engine light and take the necessary steps to address it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Volvo V60?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2021 Volvo V60, it can signal a range of common issues that may require attention. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure and trigger the warning light. Another common problem is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in regulating the air-fuel mixture; if it malfunctions, it can lead to poor engine performance and increased emissions. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for immediate inspection. Worn or faulty spark plugs can further impact engine performance, causing misfires that activate the warning light. Similarly, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel ratio, leading to performance issues. Lastly, problems with ignition coils can result in engine misfiring, which is another reason the check engine light may illuminate. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain the vehicle's performance and prevent more significant damage, making it advisable for drivers to consult a qualified mechanic for a thorough diagnosis if the check engine light appears.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2021 Volvo V60?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2021 Volvo V60, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signals that there may be a significant issue with your vehicle's engine or emissions system. Ignoring this light can lead to escalating problems, including reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and even severe engine damage, which can result in costly repairs. The sophisticated onboard diagnostics in modern vehicles like the V60 can detect a variety of issues, making it essential to act quickly to prevent further complications. To ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition, it is advisable to seek a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. A qualified mechanic can utilize diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of the check engine light and recommend appropriate repairs, safeguarding your vehicle's performance and longevity.

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