describe what is wrong with your steering.
The power steering module is clipped to the bracketry for the steering column pretty much directly above brake pedal.
The solenoid on rack can be checked, I recall it being 15-20 ohms range.
Solenoid is unlikely to fail.
CEM will not throw codes for the power steering module on this system but can set code for open circuit to pwr strg module.
CEM would set codes for no communication to BCM for the speed info.
AZ can only read the basic emissions/fuel system codes.

 

I replaced my solenoid and it definitely helped.

The ZF isn't connected to anything diagnostic related so you will never know.

Certainly try it if you are having issues.

 

Where did you buy the solenoid?

Which symptoms showed up?

 

Sorry, I missed this.

Basically it gets cold where I live in the winter and when cold the steering would behave erratically, sometimes it would switch between hard and soft assist, totally unnerving me.

I had it towed to the dealer who replaced the zf relay under the steering wheel (rhd car). This appeared to fix it until the next winter. So I got the solenoid ordered from a local Volvo dealer and had it fitted, no problems since. I'm told the name solenoid is a misnomer as it's like a valve or something.

 

i was not aware the R had speed sensitive steering. is it on all Rs or was it optional?

 

It is a hallmark feature of 04-07 R's just as 3 mode 4C damping.

It remains arguably the best speed sensitive types around.

 

I guess it's good cause it's unnoticeable.

 

It's quite noticeable
...and shipping should not be more than 5 bucks, it's a very tiny relay

 

Thanks for the details of where parts are located, and the AZ capabilities, most helpful.

Symptom is steering is equally assisted through the speed range, parking speed to flat out; the rate expected if traveling high speed, i.e. harder to turn the wheel. A friend with an R noticed this right away when he drove mine (Hi Brett).

SO..
1. Where did you find the replacement solenoid, might try that. Sent private message to a person parting an R, thinking to get the electronic parts and play swapamole.
2. Can BCM be swapped simply, or is dealer programming needed? I think I read it must be programmed.

Carl

 

The steering defaults to high effort when the solenoid is not operated.
The most common fault by a significant margin is the power steering nodule. It is the relay looking thing on steering column support bracket above brake pedal.

 

Cool, thanks cattlecar! I will try that part first. Can I just take one off another (R) car to swap, or is more needed (i.e. dealer program, etc)? Will one from another model car work, if so which (i.e. would xc70 that has speed sensitive steering swp work)?

 

Found out from a dealer steering control module part number is 30658677 for my 04 wagon (checked vin to look it up), is $218, and .. sigh.. requires software. So installing a used one would not be plug and play. Not even sure if a used one (i.e. programmed once) would work, if a brand new one is needed.

 

WHOA!!! that part number is for a steering column lock with pre-cut keys. That will require software to load the immobilizer chips in the keys so they will allow the engine to start. Of course a new lock cylinder and keys will not restore your power steering variable assist function.

By the way, $218 is a great price for that lock kit. It has SLP of $287.

I did some online catalog digging and found 8688632. $108 and some change at Tasca Volvo. Maybe Sill-Tehar will get close as you'll pay shipping from Tasca.

 

** SUCCESS **
Cattlecar, again thanks, you have been a great help! So the part you reference is located above and between the gas and brake pedal. It is labeled on mine with blue sticker as "Volvo 868833 SERVOTRONIC", last digit is 3, but to order the part use 2 as last digit apparently. There is a plug at one end like a relay, and the part is attached to car with a large metal clip I just pulled off. Got a used one today from Denver indy Volvo Specialists, they have large collection of new and used parts and are great folks to work with. I installed it and speed sensitive steering now works.

As FYI, I had purchased a part from a member here a steering control type part number P8691998, the size of a large tv remote control, attached to side of CEM under dash with green plug receptacle. After installing that part and the SERVOTRONIC one steering worked, and no codes were thrown. Removed this part and steering continued to work. So SERVOTRONIC fixed the problem. Note this "remote sized" part attached to CEM does not appear to require software, I wrote above it did, but seems it does not.

Thanks to all!

 

The thing attached to the CEM on 04's is the SAS control unit. IT reads the steering angle sensor and puts that info on the network for SUM and BCM.

 

Cool thanks for the info

 

Looks like ill be tackling this soon I'm having the same issue

 

Recently started experiencing what I can best describe as a darting sensation where the car will seemingly jerk to one side (not wheel hop as it happens on smooth surfaces). It may be happening at all speeds, but where I notice it is at high speed, in particular when travelling around a curve on the freeway. It's as if the wind is blowing the car to the side so I have to correct for it. I've owned the car since new and this is not at all related to ruts in the road or wind... it just isn't right. I had the car aligned a few months ago at the dealer after my indy replaced both outer front tie rods (thx to Michigan roads and a horrible winter). Tires are nearly brand new and wheels are straight and true. Steering wheel still points straight. I was suspicious at first that it could be my rear end links (IPD poly version) since I hear a slight clunk over rough road, but I think it's just the strut/spring creaking. The front end links went bad less than a year after install which IPD promptly replaced for free. Since I found the rears were a bit loose, I decided to change them to be on the safe side... however it did not solve my problem. All 4 struts are relatively new and not leaking. I replaced the front LCA's along with the front struts last summer... installed IPD subframe poly bushing inserts at the same time. Rear struts were done year prior when I did the IPD front/rear sways. I really don't see anything mechanical in the suspension that could be to blame. I've been wondering if it's related to the power steering... pump for instance, but it's not obvious if it is (no leaks, groaning, etc.). Now I found this thread and thinking perhaps the speed sensitive steering is the issue. Would this typically throw a code - sounds like no from above? I haven't scanned for codes, but will... IPD softloader can do it but major PITA to hook it up as it's on my desktop (still runs Windows XP) so I have to lug it out to the garage. Seem like the p/s module 8688632 may be my issue? Thanks for feedback.

 

Hi .. Loss of low speed power steering extra boost returns. deja vu all over again lol
Because the last time a used SERVOTRONIC fixed the problem I bought a new one this time. No love. I called Volvo dealer and they confirmed no software required.

Q1. Can anyone confirm I don't need to have Vida/canbus/what ever get told about this new part installed, part number 31360215? I feel pretty sure I don/t as dealer said no sw line item with this part number.

I tried to replace the SAS unit with a spare that I know is good, but it was too firmly attached to the CEM I was afraid to break that "inexpensive" part. And I think a code would be thrown if it failed.

Q2. Is there another way to check the SAS? Would it throw a code or cause some other visible think to happen or not to diacnose it?

SO now what to check next? I was thinking the soleniod and voltage from the connector to it. I imagine if I just start the car there should be maximum voltage to the connector to activate the solenoid the making steering easier. I could check that connector's voltage. So...

Q3: What is the voltage range tested at the solenoid connector? Mostly the max voltage as that is all I can safely test parked.

Q4: Must the engine be running (i.e at idle VS key in run position) to test the connector voltage?

Q5: What is safest/easist way to test the solenoid itself?

Q6. All this happened around the time the car went through a carwash.. but one that has a y rail/tireguide that guides the left wheel to enter the run. I wonder if there is a chance something physically happened. I verified the solenoid does not look injured, and the connector is still attached. After that not sure where to look.. Thanks for any help. In the mean time I will work on my fore arm strength to steer

Thanks, will post solution when I find it

 

Wow. Didn't even know I had speed sensitive steering.

 

BTW it's about 65 bucks not 217 and NO SOFTWARE
Takes 10 minutes to install
Also check the lower column bushing, on higher mileage Rs it rusts (then binds) thus making the steering even heavier

 

Had the same issues last year - replaced the solenoid, no joy. Mechanic finally traced the culprit being a bad brake vacuum pump. Kept blowing its fuse. New pump was around 500 bucks.

2004 V70 R Flash Green

 

Same here! Just figured this out. Sorry, i know this is an old thread.

 

Solenoid is the problem

The dealer has a mechanic Lars I have known side 1999 or so. He looked ot over and said the electronic parts are working as there is power atthe connector for the solenoid, so solenoid needs to be replaced. The dealer only sells as part of a kit.. called steering rack lol. Independent shop here says they wont touck replacing it because if any dirt gets in the whole system wont work.

So has anyone successfully installed a solenoid, sounds like you did? Did you do it yourself or have shop do it?

Thanks!

 

I just fixed my stiff steering and learned a few troubleshooting tools along the way I thought I would share.

First thing I checked was power to the steering control module. This is the blue with red striped wire coming into the back of the control module. I measured it with a standard volt meter, it should have 12V with the key turned on .

The next thing I checked was the signal coming from the CEM. This is the White wire that goes to the pin labeled CEM on page 48 of the manual posted above. With the control module removed, using a volt meter with the car at 0 MPH the wire will read 12V. With vida I set the CEM to 60km/h and the voltage read 6V.

I then measured the resistance between the pins going to the solenoid, the brown and yellow wires, also with the control module removed . The solenoid measured out at 2 Ohms this seemed low so I ordered a new solenoid. When it arrived I measured the new solenoid to be 7 Ohms.

So turns out the solenoid was broken and once replaced steering is now supper easy, almost too easy. I never figured out how to test the output of the steering control module, but maybe some of these tips will help someone diagnose there system.

PS. No code will be thrown with the servotronic control module removed. There is no communication from the module to the CEM. So it is broken there is no way to tell with a scan tool.

 

I just fixed my stiff steering and learned a few troubleshooting tools along the way I thought I would share.

First thing I checked was power to the steering control module. This is the blue with red striped wire coming into the back of the control module. I measured it with a standard volt meter, it should have 12V with the key turned on .

The next thing I checked was the signal coming from the CEM. This is the White wire that goes to the pin labeled CEM on page 48 of the manual posted above. With the control module removed, using a volt meter with the car at 0 MPH the wire will read 12V. With vida I set the CEM to 60km/h and the voltage read 6V.

I then measured the resistance between the pins going to the solenoid, the brown and yellow wires, also with the control module removed . The solenoid measured out at 2 Ohms this seemed low so I ordered a new solenoid. When it arrived I measured the new solenoid to be 7 Ohms.

So turns out the solenoid was broken and once replaced steering is now supper easy, almost too easy. I never figured out how to test the output of the steering control module, but maybe some of these tips will help someone diagnose there system.

PS. No code will be thrown with the servotronic control module removed. There is no communication from the module to the CEM. So it is broken there is no way to tell with a scan tool.

Adam - not sure if you still have this car or even whether you are still alive but just so you know, this post of yours just solved an issue I’ve been having with my steering for the last 5 years!!! I didn’t even get past the first test. There was no power to the power steering module so it looks like I’ve got a faulty vacuum pump. I put a 15a fuse back in and it immediately fried. I put a 20 in and it seems to be holding…not sure that’s a great idea but I may keep it in until I can deal with the vacuum pump. Thank you sir!!!

 

Part no info..





The valve kit does come with a filter in the kit , approximately 10mm dia.