Volvo Repair: Reduced Performance Msg., s80 t6, diagnostic computer

Question
I drive a '01 S80 T6.  I was driving and basically lost power of the car.  The engine acted very erractic and almost totally shut off.  It was like someone slammed on the brakes for me.  I had trouble making it off the road to a safe place.  The warning msg was "reduced performance".  I turned the engine off and attempted to restart it, but it did not start.  It did eventually start shortly after another attempt.  We parked and later drove home with no other problems.  What caused this and what do you recommend?  Thanks for any help you may  provide.  The car has had no other problems.

Answer
Well any time the ECM detects a problem in the car that will cause it to run rough it can post that message in the info center.  The most often cause though is that the electronic throttle body is starting to fail.  The warranty for that particular part has been extended beyond the regular vehicle warranty because so many failed.  There was a lawsuit pending before they added this warranty.  My recommendation would be to take it to the dealer and let them check it out.  If it is the throttle body then it will be covered under warranty as long as you have less than 200,000 miles. Although I can not tell you for sure thats what it is I am fairly confident.  The only way to tell for sure though is to take it to the dealer becuase only their diagnostic computer can tell you why that message is coming up, an independent shop will not be able to do that unless they are volvo only specialist.  I hope that helps.

James