VOLVO
ECM-540B - Oil grade, level and temperature 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:
5 modelsS60 (2001–2009), S80 (1999–2006), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (14)
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2005–2006Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2008–2009Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2005–2006Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5254T2, B6294S2, B6294T only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2005Engine B5204T5, B5244T4, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006–2007Engine B5204T5, B5244T5, B5254T2, B5254T4 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2005All engines except: D5244T
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2006Engine B5244T4, B5254T2 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2007Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2005–2006Engine B5254T2, B6294T only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2007–2012Engine B5254T2 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2013–2014Engine B5254T9 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
Although the code is named faulty signal, it applies when the signal from the oil level sensor is missing. The engine control module (ECM) stores the code then, and the causes are the connector, the wiring to the sensor, or the sensor itself. The driver normally does not notice the fault.
Possible causes
- Play, raised contact resistance or oxidation at the sensor connector
- Broken signal wire
- Broken supply voltage to the sensor
- Damaged oil level sensor
What you can do
- 1Check that the relevant fuses are intact
- 2Check that the sensor connector has no play or oxidation and that it is seated properly
- 3With a multimeter, check that the signal and supply leads to the sensor are not broken
- 4If you have a diagnostic tool, read the oil level, oil temperature and oil quality values in live data with the engine running
- 5If the fault remains after these checks, have a workshop try a new oil level sensor
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.