VOLVO
ECM-8520 - Starter motor signal. 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:
8 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (20)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007Engine D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2008–2010Engine D5244T13, D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2007Engine D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2008–2010Engine D5244T13, D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2006Engine D5244T8 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2007Engine D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2008–2010Engine D5244T13, D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2006Engine D5244T4, D5244T5, D5244T6, D5244T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2007–2009Engine D5244T4, D5244T5, D5244T7 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2006Engine D5244T8 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2007Engine D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2008–2010Engine D5244T13, D5244T8, D5244T9 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006Engine D5244T4, D5244T5, D5244T6, D5244T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2007Engine D5244T4, D5244T5, D5244T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Engine D5244T5, D5244T7 only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2006–2007Engine D5244T4 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2006–2007Engine D5244T4 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2008–2010Engine D5244T4, D5244T5 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2011Engine D5244T18, D5244T4, D5244T5 only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2012All engines except: B5254T2, B6324S5
What does this fault code mean?
When the engine is started, the engine control module (ECM) controls the starter motor through the start relay. The code is set when there is a fault on that signal, whether it is too high, too low or missing. The cause may lie in a short, an open circuit or poor contact in the circuit, or in the control module itself.
Possible causes
- Signal wire shorted to supply voltage
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Signal missing because of an open circuit in the signal wire
- Contact resistance or oxidation in the connections
- The control module itself may be faulty
What you can do
- 1Read the code, clear it and road test the car to see whether it comes back
- 2With the ignition off, check the connector to the start relay for contact resistance and oxidation
- 3Check the signal wire for breaks, shorts to ground and contact with voltage; use a multimeter
- 4Repair as needed and road test the car
- 5If no fault is found in the circuit, have a workshop assess whether the control module is faulty
Symptoms you may notice2
- A message appears in the information display
- The engine does not start
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.