VOLVO
ECM-912A - Communication with the engine control module (ECM). Signal missing
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
9 modelsC70 Cabriolet (1998–2005), C70 Coupé (1998–2002), S60 (2001–2009), S70 (1997–2000), S80 (1999–2006), V70 (1997–2000), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC (1998–2000), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)
Show models by year and engine (22)
- Volvo C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005)1999–2002
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)1999–2002
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2001All engines except: D5244T
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2002Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2003–2005Engine B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2006–2008Engine B5244SG only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)1999Engine B5204T3, B5204T4, B5234T7, B5254S DENSO, B5254T only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)2000All engines except: D5252T MSA 15.8
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)1999–2000All engines except: D5252T MSA 15.8
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2001All engines except: D5244T, D5252T MSA 15.8
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2002Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2003–2005Engine B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2006Engine B5244SG only
- Volvo V70 (1997–2000)1999Engine B5204T3, B5204T4, B5234T3, B5234T7, B5234T8, B5254S DENSO, B5254T only
- Volvo V70 (1997–2000)2000All engines except: D5252T MSA 15.8
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2000All engines except: D5252T MSA 15.8
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2001All engines except: D5244T, D5252T MSA 15.8
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2002Engine B5244S, B5244S2, B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2003–2005Engine B5244SG, B5244SG2 only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2006–2008Engine B5244SG only
- Volvo V70 XC (1998–2000)1999–2000
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2001
What does this fault code mean?
The engine control module (ECM) and the throttle unit communicate over the CAN network, and the code is set when the ECM does not receive a signal from the network. The cause can be the power supply to the ECM, loose connections, or an open circuit or short-circuit on the CAN cables. The code can be set together with other fault codes, which should be remedied first.
Possible causes
- Insufficient power supply to the engine control module
- Loose connections or contact resistance in the connectors to the CAN network
- Open circuit in one or both CAN signal cables
- One or both CAN signal cables are short-circuited to ground, voltage or each other
- Interference on the signal cables
- A defective node in the CAN network
What you can do
- 1First remedy the CAN fault codes in the central electronic module (CEM) and the driver information module (DIM), as this code can be set together with them
- 2Check the fuses for the engine control module and the battery voltage. For longer troubleshooting, a battery charger intended for car batteries can keep the voltage stable
- 3Check the connectors on the CAN network for loose connections and oxidation, and check the wiring for chafing or damage
- 4Use a multimeter to check that the CAN cables are intact and have no contact with ground or voltage
- 5After the repair: ignition off for three minutes, on and off again, then three more. If the cooling fan has run, add two minutes, or the code may remain.
- 6If nothing is found, the system relay may have switched on late because of low battery voltage or a mechanical fault. A workshop can check the relay if needed.
Symptoms you may notice5
- The accelerator pedal is ignored when the brake pedal is pressed
- The cruise control cannot be activated
- The idle is uneven and the car jerks during engine braking
- The ETS warning lamp lights, on C70 and S/V70 -2000 only
- Throttle response is very poor and top speed is reduced, but only together with ECM-9180 or ECM-918F
What the fault can affect3
- The throttle follows the accelerator pedal position, and engine speed is controlled by fuel cut-off with the injectors switched off one at a time
- The cruise control is switched off during the driving cycle when the fault was detected, and it works again the next time the car starts if the fault is gone
- Together with ECM-9180 or ECM-918F, the throttle closes to its mechanical stop position, which limits engine speed considerably
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.