VOLVO
ECM-P250316 - Charging System Voltage Low. General Electrical Failures. Circuit voltage below threshold
System
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
7 modelsS60 (2011–), S80 (2007–), V40 (2013–), V40 Cross Country (2013–), V60 (2011–), V70 (2008–), XC60 (2009–)
Show models by year and engine (20)
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2011Engine B4164T, B4164T3, B4204T6, B4204T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2012–2014Engine B4164T, B4164T2, B4164T3, B4204T7 only
- Volvo S60 (2011–)2015Engine B4164T, B4164T2, B4164T3 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2010Engine B4204T6 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2011Engine B4164T, B4204T6, B4204T7 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2012–2014Engine B4164T, B4164T2, B4204T6, B4204T7 only
- Volvo S80 (2007–)2015Engine B4164T only
- Volvo V40 (2013–)2013Engine B4164T, B4164T3 only
- Volvo V40 (2013–)2014–2015Engine B4164T, B4164T3, B4164T4 only
- Volvo V40 Cross Country (2013–)2013–2015Engine B4164T only
- Volvo V60 (2011–)2011Engine B4164T, B4164T3, B4204T6, B4204T7 only
- Volvo V60 (2011–)2012–2014Engine B4164T, B4164T2, B4164T3, B4204T7 only
- Volvo V60 (2011–)2015Engine B4164T, B4164T2, B4164T3 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2010Engine B4204T6 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2011Engine B4164T, B4204T6, B4204T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2012–2014Engine B4164T, B4164T2, B4204T7 only
- Volvo V70 (2008–)2015Engine B4164T, B4164T2 only
- Volvo XC60 (2009–)2010Engine B4204T6 only
- Volvo XC60 (2009–)2011–2012Engine B4204T6, B4204T7 only
- Volvo XC60 (2009–)2013–2015Engine B4204T7 only
What does this fault code mean?
Through LIN communication, the engine control module receives information from the alternator control module (ACM) that the voltage level is too low, and the code is stored while the engine is running. The cause may be a battery charger or starter unit with the wrong charge voltage, poor contact, worn carbon brushes in the generator, or a damaged control module or generator.
Possible causes
- A charger or starter unit supplying the wrong charging voltage is connected
- Contact resistance or oxidation in the connectors
- Worn carbon brushes in the generator
- Damaged alternator control module (ACM)
- Damaged generator
What you can do
- 1Check the connectors and connections to the generator and its control module for contact resistance and oxidation; clean and remedy them if needed
- 2Make sure no charger or starter unit delivering the wrong charge voltage is hooked up to the battery
- 3Have a workshop check the generator carbon brushes, since they may be worn
- 4If you have a diagnostic tool, read the generator charging current with the engine running
- 5If the connectors and brushes are in order, have a workshop try a new control module for the generator
Symptoms you may notice3
- Text message in the display
- The battery may be dead
- The battery has low voltage or low power
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.