Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Here you can talk about the joy owning a Volvo 480 brings. Non-technical discussions take place here, like what is the difference between an ES and a S version.

Moderators: jifflemon, coyote1980, Rachel

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edwardsjethro
480 Newbie
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:19 am

Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Post by edwardsjethro » Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:28 am

Hello,

I have always loved the look of volvo 480s. Well I have now purchased one as a project with a mate of mine. It drives fine, but has many electrical gremlins. Spent most of today figuring out the CEM and trying (without success) to get the indicators to work.

See you in the electrical section!

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2480
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Post by jifflemon » Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:17 am

Welcome aboard! What year car is it?

There's only 2 CEM's - The CEM1 and the CEM3.

1's are notorious and very difficult to source.

royhedger
Started learning about 480
Posts: 98
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2023 10:48 pm

Re: Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Post by royhedger » Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:17 am

If your CEM is kaput, there's a guy who lives in Billingham near me, who can repair them. All he needs to know is which function isn't working and a few days to turn it around.
White 1990 480 Turbo Auto
Caspian Blue 2015 V70 D5 SE Lux

Previously G reg 480 ES Black and D reg 480 ES in Silver

mandi
480 Newbie
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Aug 06, 2023 5:21 am

Re: Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Post by mandi » Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:22 am

hi edwardjethro,

CEM1 was the first and used till FIN 500199. it's the one without rubber sealing at the contactblocks.
check corrossion at the contactblocks!
CEM 2 (simple changes to CEM1 and exchangeable) was used to FIN 567600 and was sealed by OEM.
both CEMs has the contacts on the TOP side (unfortunately).
CEM 3 - last generation - with contacts at the bottom has another software and some features more.

in my case the indicator relais was failing irregularly although it was cleaned and lubricated.
it took me quiete a week and simulating all functions on the workbench (a mess of cables and clamps :? ) till i had to accept a relais-contact
for a few euros as the rootcause.
i took the part from my proxyCEM unfortunately not having now a spare. perhaps someone here knows the relaistype??

the indicators are running now well and stable.
you find many threats here for this problem and how to check.
if not write me a PM for some more informations and datasheets.

good luck

mandi

jifflemon
480 Is my middle name
Posts: 2480
Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2016 11:03 am

Re: Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Post by jifflemon » Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:26 pm

royhedger wrote:
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:17 am
If your CEM is kaput, there's a guy who lives in Billingham near me, who can repair them. All he needs to know is which function isn't working and a few days to turn it around.
Ooo PM his details, I could send him one or 50….

davekit
Started learning about 480
Posts: 61
Joined: Sat May 14, 2022 11:16 am
Location: Bradford, West Yorks

Re: Project Volvo 480 Electrical Gremlins Galore

Post by davekit » Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:13 am

I have owned my 480 since Dec '21, and I am still fixing things, but I also had a lot of electrical gremlins, most of which are now sorted. You might find some answers to your problems in the reports I did in May '22. I wrote it as 9 parts so that it could be posted in the relevant sections on the forum, but the topic is always 'Recommissioning a 480' - just search for 'recommissioning' and you should find them. For instance, I had two CEMs, which had different faults, one was repaired quite easily, the other is still nbg. Likewise, more specific searches will turn up lots of info from folks more knowledgeable than me! Good luck with the fixes!
Dave

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