Volvo Instrument panel alarm

[Houleaux]

The alarm on my Storm just gives a brief "chirrup" when I turn the key before starting the engine. The low oil pressure, charge and water temp lights all illuminate as expected. If I press the alarm test, the buzzer gives a continuous sound for as long as the button is pressed.

I'd expect the buzzer to sound continuously until the engine starts and the warning lights go out. Is that right, or is what I'm getting the norm? I'm just concerned that the buzzer won't alert me if there's actually a fault and one of the lights come on.

I've measured the voltage at the buzzer with the lights on and there's only about 0.5V so it's no surprise that it isn't sounding. The wires from the buzzer disappear into a sealed unit so I don't know if there's any more troubleshooting I can do.

Can anyone help / confirm what the buzzer behaviour should be?

Thanks.

 

[prv]

You could try shorting the temperature or oil-pressure sender to ground and see what happens?

Pete

 

[Houleaux]

You could try shorting the temperature or oil-pressure sender to ground and see what happens?

Pete

I wish I'd thought of that!

Great idea. Thanks Pete. A job for next weekend.

 

[VicS]

I wish I'd thought of that!

Great idea. Thanks Pete. A job for next weekend.

You dont say what engine.

The manual for the MD 2010/2020 etc makes it reasonably clear that the warning lights come on , but you then check the buzzer with the test button.

I assume the panel for the 2001, 2002 etc operates in a similar way. You not need a button to test the buzzer if it sounded anyway!

Agree with Pete though... short out the oil pressure switch ( or the overheat alarm sensor) to to test that it really works in practice ... take care though messing out round a running engine with an unguarded alternator drive belt!. clip a wire on it first and lead to somewhere safe perhaps.

 

[nigelmercier]

My buzzer only bleeps if I turn the key then wait for around 20 seconds.

 

[Houleaux]

You dont say what engine.

The manual for the MD 2010/2020 etc makes it reasonably clear that the warning lights come on , but you then check the buzzer with the test button.

I assume the panel for the 2001, 2002 etc operates in a similar way. You not need a button to test the buzzer if it sounded anyway!

Agree with Pete though... short out the oil pressure switch ( or the overheat alarm sensor) to to test that it really works in practice ... take care though messing out round a running engine with an unguarded alternator drive belt!. clip a wire on it first and lead to somewhere safe perhaps.

It's still the original 2002.

It's interesting what you say about the manual for the 2010/2020. Maybe mine is working as expected then....

Good advice re working around running engines. I can still vividly recall a brief encounter between the tip of my thumb and a belt driven steel cooling fan on a series IIA Landrover. I'm very careful now!

 

[Seashoreman]

My buzzer only bleeps if I turn the key then wait for around 20 seconds.[/QUOTE
Yes, I would back this up. I have only once neglected to turn 'power' button off but after a while the buzzer sounded loud and clear and continuous. Worth a try OP?

 

[Billba]

I also have a VP 2002 that has operated just like yours for 20 odd years. I believe that is how it is designed to operate.

 

[RIBW]

Can anyone help / confirm what the buzzer behaviour should be?

FWIW, here is the info on my crib card for 'Engine Alarms' (VP 2003 with toggling push button ON/OFF panel)

ENGINE ALARMS; Running Engine

Single Faults:-
Water lamp & Sounder High Water Temperature /Alternator generating
Water & Charge lamp Alternator failure.
Oil Lamp & Sounder Low Oil Pressure /Alternator generating

Multiple Faults:-
Water lamp only High Water Temperature/Alternator failed
Oil Lamp only Low Oil Pressure /Alternator failed
Water, Oil & Charge lamps Low Oil Pressure /Alternator failed

At Start Up, prior to pressing the Start button: All 3 lights should come on.
When you crank/start, the oil lamp should go out as soon as pressure is produced. The water and charge lamps will go out almost simultaneously as the alternator voltage rises.

[I've never heard the sounder unless the test button is pushed]
Hope it helps
Bob

 

[Houleaux]

Thanks all.

I'm increasingly thinking I'm worrying about nothing but, for peace of mind, I will check the buzzer responds OK when I ground the temp and oil pressure sensor wires with the engine running and report back.

 

[Houleaux]

Just in case anyone's interested, I have now tried grounding the temp sensor wire with the engine running as prv suggested. I'm pleased to report that the warning light illuminated and the alarm sounded - so all appears to be well.

Thanks all for your help.

Rob