VOLVO
ECM-P163249 - Smart Alternator Faults Sensor / Circuit. System Internal Failures. Internal electronic failure
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
9 modelsC30 (2007–2013), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2011–), S80 (2007–), V40 (2013–), V40 Cross Country (2013–), V50 (2004–2013), V60 (2011–), V70 (2008–)
Show models by year and engine (9)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2011–2013Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2011–2012Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2011–2015Engine D4162T only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2012–2015Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V40 (2013–)2013–2015Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V40 Cross Country (2013–)2013–2015Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2011–2012Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V60 (2011–)2011–2015Engine D4162T only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2012–2015Engine D4162T only
What does this fault code mean?
The alternator control module (ACM) has told the engine control module (ECM) about an electrical fault in the generator. The ECM controls the generator through the ACM over LIN communication and requests the charge voltage from the central electronic module.
Possible causes
- A battery charger or starter unit with a wrong charging voltage has been hooked up
- Worn carbon brushes
- Damaged alternator control module (ACM), meaning the charge regulator
- Damaged generator
- Contact resistance or oxidation in the connector terminals
What you can do
- 1If a battery charger or starter unit with too high or wrong charge voltage has been connected earlier, the fault code may have been stored then
- 2Check that the connectors at the generator are firmly seated and free from oxide
- 3Check that the carbon brushes move freely in their housing and are not worn down
- 4Check the battery charge and that the battery terminals are tight
- 5If the fault code returns: have a workshop check the generator and the charge regulator
Symptoms you may notice5
- A text message and a warning symbol appear in the display, sometimes with a red symbol
- The generator and charge regulator may cause power supply problems
- The battery may be dead or have low voltage
- The charge warning lamp lights or behaves abnormally
- The engine does not start, sometimes or all the time
What the fault can affect1
- The charge regulator charges with a fixed voltage
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.