VOLVO
TCM-0020 - Vehicle speed sensor. Faulty signal. Intermittent fault
System
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
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:
12 modelsC70 Cabriolet (1998–2005), C70 Coupé (1998–2002), S40 (1996–2004), S60 (2001–2009), S70 (1997–2000), S80 (1999–2006), V40 (1996–2004), V70 (1997–2000), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC (1998–2000), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (30)
- Volvo C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005)1999Transmission AW50-42 only
- Volvo C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005)2000All transmissions except: M56
- Volvo C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005)2001–2005Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)1999All engines except: B5254S DENSO · Transmission AW50-42 only
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)2000All transmissions except: M56
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)2001–2002Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S40 (1996–2004)2001–2004
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2001–2002
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2003All transmissions except: M58
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2004–2009Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)1999Transmission AW42 AWD, AW50-42 only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)2000All transmissions except: M56, M58
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)1999–2004
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2005–2006All transmissions except: M56
- Volvo V40 (1996–2004)2001–2004
- Volvo V70 (1997–2000)1999All engines except: B5202FS, B5252FS, D5252T MSA 15.7, GB5252S, GB5252S2 · Transmission AW42 AWD, AW50-42 only
- Volvo V70 (1997–2000)2000All transmissions except: M56, M58
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2000–2002
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2003All transmissions except: M58
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2004–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 XC (1998–2000)1999Engine B5254T only · Transmission AW42 AWD only
- Volvo V70 XC (1998–2000)2000Transmission AW42 AWD only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2001–2002
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2003–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2003, 2015
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2004All transmissions except: M66 AWD
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2005–2006All transmissions except: M66 AWD, TF-80SC AWD
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2008–2014Transmission AW50/51 AWD only
What does this fault code mean?
The control module compares the ABS speed signal against gearbox speed and engine rpm. When they do not agree, the fault code is set. The fault is intermittent, so it may have been present on an earlier occasion without being active now.
Possible causes
- Contact resistance in the connections
- Open circuit, or short to ground or to supply voltage, in the power supply to the speed sensor
- Open circuit, or short to ground or to supply voltage, in the signal wire
- Defective speed sensor
What you can do
- 1Check the connectors at the control module and the speed sensor; if they are oxidised or show contact resistance, clean them and press them firmly together
- 2Clear the fault code and road test the car; the fault may be gone during the test, so even a short drive will show whether the code returns
- 3If the fault remains, have a workshop measure the supply and signal wires to the speed sensor against ground and supply voltage, and check the sensor
Symptoms you may notice5
- The general orange warning lamp is lit
- The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is lit
- No lock-up function
- Gear shifts are harsh
- The warning lamp for the automatic transmission flashes
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.