2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country

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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 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country 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 V90 Cross Country 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 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light. Next, examine your dashboard for any additional warning indicators that might offer further insight into the issue. A visual inspection under the hood is also crucial; look for any signs of damage to wires, hoses, or connectors that could be affecting performance. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, using an OBD-II scanner can help you retrieve specific error codes, which are invaluable for pinpointing the problem. Don't forget to consult your owner's manual for detailed explanations of these codes and recommended actions. Lastly, keep an eye on your vehicle's performance for any unusual behaviors, as these can provide additional context for the diagnostic process. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems that may trigger this warning can help you address the issue effectively. One of the simplest causes could be a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure. More complex issues may involve a faulty oxygen sensor, which affects the air-fuel mixture and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can cause the check engine light to illuminate, indicating that it may not be functioning properly. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also impact engine performance, while worn-out spark plugs can lead to misfires, triggering the light as well. Engine misfires can stem from various factors, including ignition system problems or fuel delivery issues, and a faulty ignition coil can exacerbate these performance issues. To ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and to prevent further damage, it’s crucial to diagnose and resolve the underlying cause of the check engine light promptly, ideally with the help of a qualified mechanic.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2021 Volvo V90 Cross Country, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals potential issues that could range from minor to severe, affecting your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring this alert can lead to more significant problems, such as engine damage or failure, which can result in costly repairs and even compromise your safety on the road. While some triggers, like a loose gas cap, may seem trivial, they can still indicate underlying issues that require attention. For DIY enthusiasts, utilizing the onboard diagnostics system can be a valuable first step in diagnosing the problem. By connecting an OBD-II scanner, you can retrieve error codes that provide insight into the specific issues at hand. However, even if you identify a minor problem, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic to ensure that no serious malfunctions are overlooked. Addressing the check engine light promptly not only helps maintain the health of your vehicle but also enhances your driving experience, making it a crucial aspect of responsible vehicle ownership.

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