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patrick_johnson1

Volvo S80 Fault Memory Lock Active

Alright, so I've got this 2013 Volvo S80 with a gasoline engine, and things are getting weird. The dashboard keeps telling me something about a 'fault memory lock active'. I've noticed an error stored in the memory when I hooked it up to a basic OBD reader, but I'm not sure what it means. Anyone ever run into this before? It's driving me nuts!

4 comment(s)

martha_lehmann3

The 'fault memory lock active' message on your Volvo S80 indicates that the control unit has registered a system undervoltage. This event can trigger a lock to protect sensitive data. The error stored in the error memory is a direct result of this undervoltage condition. It's crucial to verify the battery's health and the charging system functionality. Have you recently experienced any issues such as slow starting, or have any lights been left on for extended periods?

patrick_johnson1 (Author)

Undervoltage, huh? I did have a bit of trouble starting it a couple of weeks ago, but it seemed to sort itself out. Is this something serious, or can I just clear the code and hope it doesn't come back? What exactly does 'control unit' mean in this context?

martha_lehmann3

While clearing the code might temporarily silence the warning, the underlying issue—the undervoltage condition—will likely persist and reactivate the fault. The 'control unit' refers to one or more of the car's onboard computers which manage various systems, from the engine to the brakes. Ignoring an undervoltage issue may lead to unpredictable system behavior and potentially damage sensitive electronic components. I would recommend having a workshop perform a diagnostic check to pinpoint the cause.

patrick_johnson1 (Author)

Okay, thanks for the heads up! Sounds like I need to bite the bullet and take it in. Just got the word back from the workshop – it was indeed undervoltage related! Cost me 240€ to get sorted, but at least it's fixed.

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