Retrieving Fault Codes

Locate the diagnostic service interface. This is a little black plastic box
located near the shock tower on the driver’s side engine bay. This varies
slightly from model to model. The protective cover must first be removed.

Turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the car.
Locate the jumper lead (the plug stores in a pocket in the cover) and insert
it into the socket number 6. Press the diagnostic button on the interface for
about a second and a half, about the time required to say “Volvo
Corporation”.

The LED will begin flashing, with the flashes representing diagnostic codes.
Flashes are presented in three groups of flashes (approximately 0.5
seconds), separated by a slightly longer interval: first, second and third,
representing the first, second and third digit of a three-digit code. Have a
look at this short video showing the LED flashing.

If the code presented is 1-1-1, that means that the register is empty and
there are no fault codes stored. A non-1-1-1 fault code represents a specific
trouble, which can be decoded using the associated table.
After a fault code has been recorded, press the button again, saying “Volvo
Corporation”.

The next code is displayed or, if there are no more codes, the first code is
displayed again.

When all of the codes have been recorded, the buffer can be erased by first
pressing and holding the button for five seconds and then releasing it.
After a brief pause, the LED should again light. Press and hold the button for
an additional five seconds and then release. The LED should go out