Xc90 2016 VCM Not communicating

[mikespike]

Took my xc90 in to the dealer today for a service and some other updates but was told they couldn’t do any of it as the VCM isnt communicating. Have quoted 2k for a replacement which is rediculous

I have seen some aftermarket for a few hundred pounds.

1. Where is the VCM located on a 2016 xc90
2. How easy is it to swap
3. Anyone else had this and been able to fix
4. I did notice that the navigation is off which I think is related. But occasionally it comes back.

Thank u

[Lexman8]

I've had two replacement VCMs and the dealer told me they cost ~£1,500. Luckily, mine were done under waranty.

Before 15w17, XC90s had the units as shown in the first pic. After that they were moved to a different location (second pic). At the same time, the VCM was changed to include the TEM which was previously separate. The two variants are incompatible with each other. There are other differences too such as incorporating a 4G modem which lead to further incompatibilities.

Even if you could source the exact correct module it has to paired to the car which only a dealer can do.

The VCM is required for navigation.
_

[mikespike]

Thank you. Dealer wants £1800 fitted for it....and I'm not under warranty. I feel like things like this should always be under warranty. Its not water damaged or anything. I have seen some online for a couple of hundred pounds - could I take that to them and ask them to program? Or any other suggestions

[techwatcher]

Originally Posted by mikespike

I have seen some online for a couple of hundred pounds - could I take that to them and ask them to program? Or any other suggestions

i very much doubt that a main dealer will fit a second hand part, but an independent with access to VIDA may be willing to do it.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by mikespike

- could I take that to them and ask them to program?

I don't think dealers can or will do that, not least because (iirc) the VCM has a security module and Volvo Sweden have to validate/authorise the fitment of the VCM. This is probably for security reasons because the VCM can directly access Volvo's servers.

Or any other suggestions

The dealer may not have physically checked the VCM as diagnostics are done via the OBD port in the cabin. You could check that the plug and connectors onto the VCM are properly seated and secure. The circuit board in the VCM is beyond the repair capability of the average electronics repair shop as it has custom chips and all the components are surface mounted which makes repairs very difficult, see pics.
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[mikespike]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

I don't think dealers can or will do that, not least because (iirc) the VCM has a security module and Volvo Sweden have to validate/authorise the fitment of the VCM. This is probably for security reasons because the VCM can directly access Volvo's servers.


The dealer may not have physically checked the VCM as diagnostics are done via the OBD port in the cabin. You could check that the plug and connectors onto the VCM are properly seated and secure. The circuit board in the VCM is beyond the repair capability of the average electronics repair shop as it has custom chips and all the components are surface mounted which makes repairs very difficult, see pics.
_

Thank you. Will definitely check. Where is it located in the boot on the right hand side?

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by mikespike

Where is it located in the boot on the right hand side?

It depends upon when your car was manufactured. Don't confuse that date with the model year. MY17 cars were manufactured from approximately mid-April 2016.

The easiest way to determine its location is to lift the floor in the boot and you should be able to see whether the SIM card reader is visible on the right hand side as in pic 2. If so, the VCM is located above that. Otherwise, the VCM and SIM reader are located as in pic 1.

[mikespike]

Thanks. Have been able to locate it. Nothing obviously wrong with it - but it is a circuit board of microchips.

I can't seem to find anything on the forum? I can't be the first one with this issue? No one else had a problem with theirs?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by mikespike

Thanks. Have been able to locate it. Nothing obviously wrong with it - but it is a circuit board of microchips.

I can't seem to find anything on the forum? I can't be the first one with this issue? No one else had a problem with theirs?

This MUST be professionally fault traced , everyone is guessing here. Have they done the full diagnostic tests with an oscilloscope to check the digital signals on the network are going in and coming out? Have they checked the power supplies and earths ? Have they checked the other inputs and outputs?
otherwise you could be spending a lot of money and find it still doesn't work.
If there is a fault code there will be comprehensive fault tracing details in VIDA, the workshop diagnostic equipment..
They cant say it needs a new one without having the proof that it is actually faulty... if so what IS faulty...? Did they charge you for any diagnostic work on this problem?

[mikespike]

Thanks. In summary, no it hasn't. Symptoms are:
1. They tried to connect to the car and couldn't
2. Navigation doesn't work, although does occasionally find itself
3. Car internet doesnt work - not WIFI not bluetooth tethering etc...

They did try several resets etc... and I personally have unplugged it and checked all the connections.

Any idea who / how it can properly fault trace it?

thanks