ECM-7100 - Immobilizer communication. 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:
9 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), S80 (1999–2006), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (23)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2006–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008–2013Engine B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008Engine B5254T3, B5254T7 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2009–2012Engine B5254T7 only
- 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 V50 (2004–2013)2005–2007Engine B5254T3 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2012Engine B5254T7 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?
The immobilizer is an electronic start inhibitor that requires the same code to be present in the engine control module (ECM) and in the central electronic module (CEM). Before the engine is allowed to start, the codes are checked against each other. If they do not match, the code is set with the ignition on, and the engine does not start. The cause may be a wrong code in either module, or that one of them is not programmed.
Possible causes
- The ECM holds an immobilizer code that does not match
- The CEM holds an immobilizer code that does not match
- The ECM was never programmed, so it holds no code
- The CEM was never programmed, so it holds no code
- Damaged engine control module (ECM)
- Damaged central electronic module (CEM)
What you can do
- 1Read the codes in the central electronic module (CEM) and correct them first, since they may show where the fault lies
- 2With the ignition on, check that the connectors to the engine control module and the CEM are firmly seated and free from oxidation
- 3Has the module been replaced or moved from another car? Programmed modules cannot be moved between cars, so this needs a workshop
- 4Have a workshop check and, if needed, reprogram the immobilizer code; you cannot do this yourself
- 5Once the workshop is finished, start the engine and check that the fault has gone
Symptoms you may notice1
- The engine cranks but will not start
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.