I have a 1998 volvo s70 which has ABS/trac light problems. I've been having intermittent issues with this where the indicator lights come on and the ABS will sometimes pulsate and it makes a terrible noise. My understanding is that when the ABS indicator is on, I don't have ABS brakes. It appears from the volvo brickboard that a lot of people are having this issue. I am concerned about the safety (besides the fact that it is scary when the brakes start going) and think volvo should make the necessary repairs. It appears to be an issue only on this year/make.
1998 Volvo S70: ABS light or ABS activating
53 of the 215 complaints about the 1998 Volvo S70 describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 53
- of this car's complaints
- 25%
- typical repair cost reported
- $600
- typical mileage
- 76,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 5 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Abs brake unit failed at 60k miles; all service was done at dealer. Dozens and dozens of owners have reported this to the federal safety agency for exact same make and model. Nhts seems powerless to take on this issue. How many deaths will it take to get some action? Volvo dealers and ford know well the problem -- just count the cash they are making on the replacements, and then multiply by 10 because most are not willing to pay $1,000 for a $200 part.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS and traction control lights on the dash illuminated causing both components to be inoperable. This occurred intermittently. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined both systems needed to be replaced. Updated 10/31/2006 -
The ABS antilock brake system in my 1998 volvo s70 failed. The dashboard light indicated ABS & traction control (tracs) failure. Normal non-ABS braking remained. Research on several volvo owners web sites (such as brickboard: http://www.brickboard.com/awd/?model=s70) showed systemic failure of the ABS control module volvo part # 9162675 due to printed circuit board solder cracking after 6 years. The car was tested by a volvo dealer confirming ABS control module failedure. Volvo charges a total $650 to replace the unit. The "brickboard" owners group suggested a repair shop in california that resolders the circuit board, replaces and upgrades failed components, tests & returns it for $130 plus shipping. We had the old board repaired, since a new exact replacement board from volvo would have the same failure after another 5 years. The repaired ABS control unit has been reinstalled & the car now works properly, with full ABS and tracs control. This is not the first printed circuit failure from volvo. Our 1993 volvo 940 turbo had two board failures: 1, the relay base board solder cracked, and resulted in the overdrive relay not working; 2, cruise control operated erratically, due to bad board solder. Both of these boards were repaired by our local service shop. We are very concerned that two critical safety elements - the ABS system and traction control - are failing in a relatively short period of time, & because of a failure of what should be a simple assembly of tested parts. Further, we are most disturbed that volvo's remedy is a very expensive replacement, with the same failure prone part. Worse, although we opted for a complete repair, there are owners who cannot afford the fix. These will be driving with far less braking and control than the car is capable of providing.
Dt: the vehicle was losing power, it shuts down. Usually it will start back. Can cut across traffic, and it will just stall. Took it to the dealer many times, and they could not duplicate the problem. They put different parts on it to narrow down the problem. There is no power steering after it stalls. Back in january the turbo went it out and they replaced it. The vehicle was still skipping. This started happening around january 15, 2005. *nm the ABS control module was replaced.
Intermittent failure of the ABS/tracks system - well known/documented defect. Volvo parts center says cause was faulty ABS units from the philippines. This causes a failure of the ABS system, yet volvo does not recall?.
Abs and tracs off indicator lights are on. Dealer diagnosed as failing ABS control module. Dealer stated that ABS does not work while indicator lights are on, but brakes do. With indicator lights on, the safety feature of anti-lock brakes and traction control are compromised.
Upon applying the brakes there was a humming noise/vibration that did not allow the brakes to respond. There was a problem in the computer that engaged the ABS brakes. *ak updated 8/9/2006 -
Abs/tracs failure.
Volvo ABS brake modular failed. Local volvo service center aware of problem.
Rotors, brakes and struts replaced at approximately 100,000. Abs controller fault diagnosed at dealer. Failure LED to loss of all antilock brake features as well as tracs. Replacement of ABS controller module recommended.
When the vehicle was being driven, the ABS light illuminated. The vehicle has had this problem more than three times in the last three weeks. There was a technical service bulletin concerning this problem. *jb the warning lights indicated a problem with the ABS and the 4 tracking system. The consumer suggested that this might not have been valid due to a possible defect in the electrical module. *sc
Service bulletins that may apply
- This is a Technical Journal: When sensitive information, like vehicle speed, brake usage, etc
- Information regarding new rear brake pads and calipers
- Subject on the cross-shaped pad retainer spring in the rear calipers coming in contact with the rotor
- Concerns with the cross-shaped pad retainer spring in the rear calipers CAN come in contact with the rotor
- Introduction of new rear brake pads and calipers
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Volvo S70 abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1998 Volvo S70?
53 of 215 owner complaints about the 1998 Volvo S70 (25%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the 1998 Volvo S70?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $600 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Volvo S70?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Volvo S70
Headlights 21Door locks 13Check engine light 11Loss of power 6Stalling 5Tire blowout 5
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