ECM-4050 - Fuel level sensor. Faulty signal
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
This fault code has different meanings depending on model, model year or engine. Select the meaning that applies to your car.
Applies to the following models:
11 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005), C70 Coupé (1998–2002), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), S70 (1997–2000), S80 (1999–2006), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (1997–2000), V70 (2000–2008)
Show models by year and engine (26)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007–2011Engine B5244S4 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2006All engines except: B5254T3
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2007–2010Engine B5244S4, B5244S5 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2011Engine B5244S4 only
- Volvo C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005)2000Engine B5244S only
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)1999Engine B5254S DENSO only
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)2000Engine B5244S only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2004Engine B5244S4, B5244S5 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005–2010Engine B5244S4, B5244S5, B5244S7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2001, 2009Engine B5244S, B5244S2 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2002Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2003–2005Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244S6, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2006Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244S6, B5244SG only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007–2008Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)1999Engine B5254S DENSO only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)2000Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)1999–2000Engine B5244S, B5244S2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2001, 2006Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2002–2005Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2004Engine B5244S4, B5244S5 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2005–2010Engine B5244S4, B5244S5, B5244S7 only
- Volvo V70 (1997–2000)2000Engine B5244S, B5244S2 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2001, 2007–2008Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2002Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2003–2005Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244S6, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244S6, B5244SG only
What does this fault code mean?
The fuel level is reported to the engine control module with a wrong value or is missing altogether. The fault lies in another control module: the rear electronic module (REM) or the central electronic module (CEM) has found an electrical problem in the level sensor and sends the information on over the CAN network. The code is an information code that never occurs alone, so troubleshooting is done in the module that sends the signal.
Possible causes
- Electrical fault in the fuel level sensor on the right-hand side, when the signal is too high
- Electrical fault in the fuel level sensor on the left-hand side, when the signal is too low
- Defective fuel level sensor
- Fault in the central electronic module (CEM), which should be troubleshot first
What you can do
- 1Have a workshop with diagnostic equipment read the fault codes in the central electronic module (CEM) first and remedy them
- 2Do not clear this code until the fault code in the CEM has been remedied and cleared, otherwise it will come back
- 3Check that the connector to the fuel level sensor is firmly seated and free from oxidation
- 4Look for chafed or pinched wiring to the fuel level sensor
- 5Use a multimeter to check that the signal wire from the fuel level sensor has no contact with ground or positive
- 6Have you got a diagnostic tool: read the fuel level in live data with the ignition on and check that the value changes smoothly when you add fuel
Symptoms you may notice1
- No noticeable symptoms for the driver
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.