Recalled: Volvo S80, XC60 and XC70 Models for Potential Stalling
My first car -- a used 1975 Dodge Royal Monaco -- used to stall in the middle of intersections in the dead of winter, even if I had warmed it up quite a while. This was a pretty frightening experience for a 16-year-old. Then came fuel injection in the '80s and, later, more advanced electronic control units (ECUs), and things improved greatly.
Now, though, Volvo is recalling almost 12,000 cars for an electrical system software problem that could cause the car to stall suddenly after driving a short distance at idle -- potentially resulting in a crash. Model year and vehicles affected by the recall are 2008-2010 Volvo S80, 2009-2010 Volvo XC70, and 2010 XC60.
Specifically, under certain conditions, the software within the central electronic module (CEM) may not send a signal to the fuel pump electronic module (PEM). The missing signal inhibits the start of the fuel pump. If the car is still able to start (due to residual pressure in the fuel system) it can drive a short distance at idle, but then the engine may stall. While it doesn't sound like you could get too far at idle, it's considered enough of a safety hazard to prompt a recall.
The recall is expected to begin by September 31st. Dealers will download new software to the vehicle's CEM free of charge. Owners can contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 (mention Recall Number R215) or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (mention Campaign number 09V343000), or go to SaferCar.gov.
New vehicles on dealer lots will be fixed before they are sold.
- Posted by
- Joanne Helperin September 8, 2009, 10:46 AM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Car Safety, Vehicle Recalls, Volvo
Well of course it isn't safe. It's a Volvo. Buy a Subaru they are all IIHS top safety picks.
IIHS top safety picks have little to do with real world crashes.