Steps To Reset The Check Engine Light In Your Volvo

When the Volvo check engine light turns on, it's a sign that the sensors in your Volvo model have detected an issue with your powertrain. But it doesn't necessarily mean you're in any kind of danger or that you need to visit a dealership immediately. This icon, which typically looks like a lumpy structure with "T" intakes on the top and left, is an important indicator of a problem with your automobile. However, it is an icon with various meanings, so you can sometimes try several do-it-yourself solutions before your visit to an official dealership like Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek.

We understand that this can be a stressful icon to see. Before you make an appointment at our shop in Coconut Creek, FL, let's see if it's something that can be easily solved. Then, we invite you to use a licensed technician to reset your check engine light as safely as possible.

Your Volvo Check Engine Light Is Your Friend

If you see a Volvo engine warning light, it's important to note that it's trying to protect you. This light flashes on for a myriad of reasons, and can change depending on what type of Volvo vehicle you are currently driving. For example:

• A hybrid vehicle, such as the Volvo XC60: When you see this icon (a lumpy shape with a "T"-style intake on the top and left) for your hybrid model, it typically refers to the gasoline engine, rather than the motors. Most often, this symbol indicates a tripped sensor in your powertrain or a problem with your gasoline cap.
• An all-electric model, such as the Volvo EX90: If you're driving a Volvo EV, you'll see that your check engine light looks very different. Oftentimes, this is a turtle, a cute symbol that means your performance has been reduced. If it is instead a red battery symbol, then a core part of your powertrain has been damaged, disconnected, or cannot be properly sensed, which is a major hurdle for an all-electric model.
• An all-gas model: All contemporary Volvo vehicles have some level of electrification. However, as you scan our used cars for sale, you may find a non-hybrid Volvo model. If you see the check engine light on these models, you can more easily narrow the issue to your exhaust system, gas intake, or the engine's sensors.

Your Volvo Check Engine Light Is On. Now What?

You notice your engine light turned on. Is there anything you can do? First, there are a few simple symptoms you can address at home.

• Loose Gas/Charging Cap: A common source, you may just have not screwed on the gas cap tight enough, or your cap may have chipped, causing it to not tighten correctly. Check your fuel cap (where you refill your model) or your charging port to see if the cap installs correctly. You may just need to screw it in a bit more, or you might need to purchase a new part from an official dealership, like Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek.
• Exhaust Blockages: In some cases, your check engine light may be referring to an issue with your actual exhaust pipe. Check the pipe at the back of your Volvo vehicle and see if you can see the object inside. If you can, you can carefully attempt to extract it with pliers. If you can't see it, it's likely too far for you to reach in.
• Battery: A slightly more serious problem, your battery may not be firing correctly. That could mean you need to reconnect the battery to your engine or that your battery is out of juice and either requires a replacement or a jump-start.

These are only some of the reasons your Volvo XC60 check engine light might come on. A few other potential issues that we don't recommend changing yourself (without the proper equipment and training) include:

• Catalytic Converter: Your Volvo sedan or SUV comes with a converter that changes the toxic gases expelled by your engine into a less dangerous substance. If that's not working, it requires complete replacement.
• Sensor Problems: Your powertrain incorporates multiple sensors to check on every process. The oxygen, mass airflow, or vacuum sensor may have detected a problem or may not be functioning correctly. Either way, it's better to fix these issues with a licensed mechanic before your Volvo XC90 or other model suffers more permanent damage.
• Spark Plugs: If your spark plugs are worn out, it'll cause issues with your gas engine's ignition. It's recommended to check your spark plugs during routine maintenance and replace them every 50,000 miles or so. Driving with faulty spark plugs can cause significant engine damage, so we recommend making that appointment as soon as possible.
• Performance Light: A Volvo EV can suffer from performance issues for several reasons, such as a motor malfunction on an axle or a battery problem. Reconnect or replace the battery, especially if you also see the battery indicator light. If the icon still appears, then you'll likely want to contact official technicians for a diagnosis.

Should You Drive With the Warning On?

There are also a few levels of notability when it comes to any kind of Volvo check engine light. For instance, let's say:

• Your Volvo orange engine light stays on, and you don't feel a difference when driving. It's likely that a sensor is damaged, or the issue is quite minor. If you cannot resolve the problem yourself, you should still make an appointment at a Volvo dealership. However, it is possible to keep driving your model for the short term.
• Your Volvo engine warning light stays on, and you notice grinding, popping, or whirring coming from your exhaust system or engine. A few things, like an old catalytic converter or exhaust pipe, can cause some grinding noises. Please stop driving immediately to prevent additional damage to your engine. We'd recommend contacting roadside assistance to have your engine checked, or consider our mobile service to see if we can diagnose the warning at your garage or workplace.
• Your Volvo check engine light is blinking. There is an imminent and dangerous issue with your Volvo vehicle that will cause damage to your automobile if you do not stop driving immediately. If there is a blinking light, your engine may have jettisoned some fuel into the exhaust system, or there may be a similar must-fix problem with the powertrain. Please pull over, put on hazards, and call roadside assistance.
• Your EV performance light is on: This cute little turtle symbol does mean that your battery-and-motor setup is currently under stress in some way. If possible, please do not drive your EV for too long a distance. If you notice acceleration or turning issues, please consider pulling over and having your model towed.

Gunther Volvo Coconut Creek, FL Service Solutions & More

Generally, when you're dealing with a Volvo check engine light, it's always safer to visit our location in Coconut Creek, FL. Our mechanics have the tools needed to properly diagnose your Volvo car or SUV, the parts required to fix it right the first time, and access to the exclusive Volvo Lifetime Parts Warranty¹ to keep you confident on the road. Whether you're driving a Volvo XC40 SUV or an all-electric Volvo EX40, our team can make sure you're driving confidently at Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek.

Our location is more than a maintenance area, though - We also have several brand-new and pre-owned models you can test-drive today. For example, from our showroom, you can browse a Volvo XC90 lease, get accessories for it, and then fix a problem without ever needing to find another location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Volvo check engine light on?

Your Volvo check engine light is an indicator that there is an issue with your exhaust system, or with your battery for an all-electric Volvo model. Typically, this can activate because:

• Your gas cap or charging port is loose
• The battery isn't properly turning on your powertrain
• There's an issue with the sensors for your engine, motors, or batteries
• An obstacle may be blocking your exhaust pipe

How do I reset the Volvo XC90 check engine light?

To reset your Volvo XC90 check engine light, you will usually have to take it to a dealership. Locations such as Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek have specific tools to reset your indicators when codes have been resolved. For older Volvo models, you can reset the light by disconnecting the negative terminal for 15 to 30 minutes.

Can I drive with the Volvo check engine light on?

You can sometimes drive with your Volvo check engine light on, but you must do so cautiously. If you see the light blinking or notice performance and handling issues while the light remains activated, you should pull over and contact roadside assistance to avoid permanent engine damage or a potential accident. Otherwise, the problem may be minor enough that you can schedule an appointment and drive it in.

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¹Lifetime warranty on parts is limited, non-transferable and only applies to the original purchaser. Part must be installed at an authorized Volvo dealer. See the warranty page for further details. Excludes consumable parts due to normal wear. See dealer for details. Non-transferable.