Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1993 Volvo 850 L5-2.4L VIN 55 B5254SFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
FC. Communications Problems With the Data Link Connector
FC. Communications problems with the Data Link Connector DLC (DLC A).
Fault-tracing information
Operating basics:
- Normal supply voltage to the system
- Charging system operating normally
- The fault is permanent.
Defect cause:
- Break in signal wiring
- Short circuit to ground in the signal wiring.
- Contact resistance in terminals
- Break on the 15 supply to the TCM
- Break on the 30 supply to the TCM
- Break on signal and power ground to TCM
- Malfunction in DLC.
- Fault-tracing starts with FC1.
FC1
Checking ground points
- Ignition OFF
- Connect test box and check ground points as per GB1-GB2 GB. Connecting the Test Box
If the ground points are OK as per GB2: GB. Connecting the Test Box
- Checking supply voltage (15 supply) FC2.
FC2
Checking supply voltage (15 supply)
- Ignition ON.
Use a voltmeter to measure between #30 (#A30) and #29 (#A29) on the test box.
The voltmeter should register approx. battery voltage.
If reading is OK:
- Checking supply voltage (30 supply) FC3.
If reading is incorrect:
- Check the cable between fuse 11/1 and the transmission control module TCM #A30 for breaks as per FA2. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
Then continue with: Checking supply voltage (30 supply) FC4.
FC3
Checking supply voltage (30 supply)
- Ignition ON.
Use a voltmeter to measure between #10 (#A10) and #20 (#A20) on the test box.
The voltmeter should register approx. battery voltage.
If reading is OK:
- Checking the LEDs on the Data Link Connector (DLC) FC4.
If reading is incorrect:
- Check the cable between the positive terminal on the battery and transmission control module (TCM) #A1O for breaks as per FA2. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
FC4
Checking the LEDs on the Data Link Connector (DLC)
- Ignition ON.
- Selector cable not connected
- Press button on DLC.
LED should light when button is pressed.
If LED lights:
- Check selector cable as per FC7
If LED does not light:
- Checking power supply FC5.
FC5
Checking power supply
- Ignition OFF
- Disconnect the DLC connector Ignition ON.
Connect a voltmeter between the DLC connector terminal 4 and ground.
The voltmeter should register approx. battery voltage.
If reading is OK:
- Checking ground wiring FC6.
If reading is incorrect:
- Check that fuse 11/33 is intact.
- Check the cable between the DLC connector terminal 4 and fuse 11/33 for breaks in the circuit as per FA2. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
FC6
Checking ground wiring
- Ignition OFF
- Data Link Connector (DLC) disconnected. Connect an ohmmeter between the DLC connector terminal 8 and ground.
The ohmmeter should read approx. 0 Ohms.
If reading is OK:
- Repeat test with new DLC.
If reading is incorrect:
- Check ground point 31/50 and the cable between the DLC connector terminal 8 and ground point 31/50 for breaks in the circuit as per FA2. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
FC7
Checking the adapter cable
- Ignition OFF
- Selector cable not connected
Connect an ohmmeter between selector cable probe and ground.
- Press button on data link connector DLC.
The ohmmeter should read approx. 0 Ohms.
If reading is OK:
- Checking diagnostic wiring resistance to ground FCB.
If reading is incorrect:
- Repeat test with new DLC.
FC8
Checking diagnostic wiring resistance to ground
- Ignition OFF
- Disconnect the data link connector (DLC)
- Disconnect TCM
Connect an ohmmeter between the DLC connector terminal 1 (A1) and ground.
The ohmmeter should read infinite resistance.
If reading is OK:
- Checking diagnostic wiring FC9.
If reading is incorrect:
- Check the cable between the DLC connector terminal 1 (A1) and the TCM #B5 for short circuit to ground as per FA3. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
FC9
Checking diagnostic wiring
- Ignition OFF
- Connect TCM
- Ignition ON.
Connect a voltmeter between the DLC connector terminal 1 (A1) and ground.
The voltmeter should register approx. 1 - 4 V below battery voltage.
If reading is OK:
- The DTC was set because of poor contact in the TCM connector.
If the voltmeter reads approx. 0 V:
- Check the cable between the DLC connector terminal 1 (A1) and the TCM #B5 for breaks in the circuit as per FA2. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
If the voltmeter reads approx. battery voltage:
- Check the cable between the DLC connector terminal 1 (A1) and the TCM #B5 for short circuit to supply as per FA3. FA. Checking Wiring and Connections
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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