Do I need this fixed? "HAD Code for CAM Position Acuator"

INQUIRER89

MEMBER
2003 VOLVO S40
118,000 MILES

An engine light came on around the 100k mark on my 2003 Volvo S40, and so I went to the local mom&pop Volvo mechanic for a diagnostic and they said that I needed a "HAD Code for CAM Position Acuator".

I've put off the fix and have since driven 20k and haven't noticed any problems. What does the above fix do exactly, and do I absolutely need it?

The mechanic quoted it at $244 for parts and $396 for labor, and with tax that totals about $650. Is it worth the investment? Should I shop around and get it done for cheaper? That's a lot of money for a poor college kid like myself but I do want to keep my Volvo running for years to come.

I don't really know anything about cars, so any insight is appreciated!

4 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

The cam position actuator advnaces and retards cam as needed so it will run right. If you want bad gas mileage until you get rid of the car then don't bother to fix it. Things will get worse as time goes by. It's a volve and parts aren't cheap everyone expects a mechanic to do stuff for nothing like in the past.

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Monday, May 13th, 2013 AT 6:49 AM

INQUIRER89

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Hmac300 for the reply. I suppose I'll get it fixed if it'll save me the gas mileage in the long run.

Do you think this is an operation that can be done at any Garage, or should I go to a certified Volvo mechanic / Volvo dealership? I have a buddy who can probably give me a better deal but I also want the job to be professionally done. Thanks.

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Monday, May 13th, 2013 AT 9:10 AM

INQUIRER89

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It's also odd because I am averaging 28mpg on my car, which is slightly above the estimate by the EPA Fuel Economy website. So I haven't noticed any decrease in MPG just yet, but I do want to keep it stable or even increase it if the CAM fix works.

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Monday, May 13th, 2013 AT 9:13 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,397 POSTS

Yes it will increase mileage and power, here is a guide that explains what the actuator does.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-camshaft-variable-valve-timing-works

Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help and tell a friend.

Best, Ken

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Monday, March 27th, 2017 AT 7:12 PM