Back to 2010 Volvo XC90

2010 VOLVO XC90

4.4L V8AWDAUTOMATICgas
3 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs0Labor591Torque3665Fluid9DTC882Battery0Maintenance0Recalls3
P1618high severityPowertrain

TCM-ECM Communication Fault

on 2010 Volvo XC90 4.4L V8 · AWD

What this code means

The ECM detected a communication fault with the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The CAN bus communication between the engine and transmission controllers is disrupted or unreliable.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Transmission may enter limp mode
  • Harsh or incorrect shifting
  • Transmission warning light
  • Reduced power

Common causes

  • CAN bus wiring fault between ECM and TCM
  • TCM failure
  • ECM CAN driver failure
  • Corroded CAN connector
  • CAN bus termination resistor fault

Diagnostic steps

  1. Check CAN bus communication with diagnostic tool
  2. Test CAN High and CAN Low signals
  3. Inspect CAN bus wiring between ECM and TCM
  4. Test CAN termination resistance
  5. Check TCM power and ground

Repair notes

Repair CAN bus wiring or replace the faulty module (ECM or TCM).

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →