2001 Volvo S40 Service Engine Light/Repair Manual

Tiny
JEANNEBURDORF
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  • 2001 VOLVO S40
2001 Volvo S40

I recently bought a Volvo S40 and the service engine light is still coming on. I have driven this as much as the car dealer stated to do so, in fact, much more than they asked.

The Service light comes on when I start the car and goes off after a minute. Is there any way I can reset this, or is it due to a problem such as a sensor?

I have been told that I cannot purchase repair manuals for this car. Is this true?

I'm in the beginning stages, but I intend to learn everything about this car (up to the point where I actually need to use a tool - I'll leave that for my husband) so any help is appreciated!
Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 9:04 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
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I actually have 2 lights that would function (to my way of thinking) as Check Engine lights. There is an actual "Check Engine" light, which is not on.

The "Service" light is, from my understanding, different, and is able to be reset. Is this understanding incorrect?
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 9:59 AM
Tiny
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OK, then you must be referring to the maintanance reminder.

SERVICE REMINDER INDICATOR :

This light will come on according to preset service intervals or after 750 hours of driving or after 12 months, whichever occurs first. It is a reminder to the driver that the service interval has been exceeded. The light will stay on for 2 minutes after start until reset by the servicing retailer.

Resetting the Service reminder indicator (SRI)

Proceed as follows to reset the service reminder indicator (SRI):

* Ignition off
* Press and hold in the reset button for the trip odometer
* Ignition on
* The service reminder indicator (SRI) starts flashing when the reset button for the trip odometer has been pressed for 10 seconds
* Release the reset button for the trip odometer within 4 seconds. The instrument gives an audible signal when the reset has succeeded. The SRI indicator lamp goes out.

NOTE: If the reset button for the trip odometer is not released within 4 seconds, the light is not reset. However it will stop flashing.
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
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Your instructions worked great! Thanks!

Do you have any suggestions as to why the airbag light stays on?
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
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That IS a malfunction issue that works on the same principle as the check engine light but it requires more advanced equipment.
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
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Would any of the myriad reasons for teh light to be on affect the running of the car, or just the functionability of the air bag?
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
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No, that is just the Airbag system and it's related components. The system is disabled as long as the light is on.
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
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Thank you so much! This is a big help as a first step on getting into my car. I appreciate it!
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 11:42 AM

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