Really two questions:
- How do I read the Volvo DTCs without paying a garage £75 or so...
- How to identify cause of a "Power System Service Urgent" message (the red battery light also comes on at the same time)
The two questions are obviously related. This "Power System" message crops up randomly - it tends to go away if you switch off then restart the car, but then may crop again randomly. All electrics seem to work, except the HU850 radio and the centre console 12V socket are completely dead - the 12V outlets in the back are fine. The HU850, like most HU850s, is pretty much useless anyway as it really doesn't work well. It need a proper repair or junking. Aircon and everything else is good. I had the alternator tested (it's a refurbished one anyway so only 1 year old) and it's fine and the battery is charging as it should. The battery was also tested by a specialist car electrics place and found to be fine.
I have the common alarm system failure warning too - that is, I believe, a fairly simple issue of replacing the battery in the alarm under the offside front wheel arch.
So, I need to read the proper Volvo diagnostics to identify the faulty unit(s) and stop the irritating messages. Plus, it'd be good to get the 12V outlet going again as that is used for phone charging... Ideas on the HU850 welcome.
Also, the fuel cap lid sometimes doesn't unlock. Ah, well...