QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2002 S40 with approx. 76K. It seems that whenever I turn on the defroster, the CEL light comes on. Sometimes almost right away and sometimes when I next restart the car. I get no CEL any other time. My Actron scanner shows a generic code of P0015, but the generic description doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas of what could be causing this problem? Thank you.
ANSWER: Are you sure that's not a P0105?
Mark
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QUESTION: Mark, I'm reasonably sure it was P0015. I've cleared it and would have to recreate the trouble to get it back. The definition I have is something about the timing on bank 2 (?) being retarded too much. Maybe I'm the one who's retarded. :-) I saw this description before so I'm fairly sure the P0015 is correct. In any case, why would I get either code when using the defroster?
ANSWER: Rich, the reason I ask is because P0105 is a MAP sensor problem. When switching to defrost and having a possible huge vacuum leak in the defrost servo or line, could possibly affect the whole vacuum system? Just a guess.
Mark
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QUESTION: Mark, my wife used the defroster yesterday morning. No CEL during that trip to work. When she drove it again at lunchtime, the CEL stayed on. I checked the code again today and it is in fact P0015. BTW the reader is an Actron CP9145 and I used the Generic OBD II setting. Could there be some interaction between the defroster and the dash temp control or the defroster fan? The A/C button also lights up when on Defrost, although I believe this is normal. I'm still at a loss as to how the defroster can cause a timing problem, which is what the P0015 indicates. Is it possible that the reader is producing the wrong code? I know Volvo has their own codes, but I thought the generic ones were kind of standard. Sorry to be such a pain, but I'm trying to avoid spending big bucks at the dealer unless I'm confident what the problem could be beforehand. And if it's within my ability to fix, I'll go that route first. Thanks for your time and help so far.
Answer Rich, wow, too much information at once. First, the A/C light coming on in defrost mode is normal. They use the A/C to remove the humidity from the air being blown on the glass so it does not fog. Smart huh?
OBDII is generic to all vehicles and is mandated by the EPA and the US DOT. ANY vehicle entering the US must comply to this standard. It is ok for the manufacture to have additional, brand specific, codes. But the OBDII ones must conform. P0015 is NOT an OBDII code. Cheap scanner algorithims may generate false codes when they are confused?
Here are your options, have it scanned by VADIS, (dealer or specialty shop) or purchase a quality aftermarket scanner. AST (Assenmacher Specialty Tools) makes a good one. You will have to spend over $2k to get one though.
It has always irritated me that the manufacturers make everything so proprietary. They do not want you to go anywhere but "in house" Nice monopoly huh?
Mark
