Application

What you need to know (please read before ordering)

Important: If your vehicle isn’t starting whether permanently or intermittently, we would require your CEM, ECM, and at least one key. If your vehicle isn’t starting due to zero keys being stored in the CEM, we would require your CEM, ECM, and ALL keys for the vehicle. When ordering, please tell us that you’ll be sending in the additional modules so we can make sure the shipping labels properly list everything. Additional costs may apply.

This is a Program Transfer Service of your original module to a good unit you’ve supplied. You will need to source out a good used matching unit, then send them both in here for the service. Only the good unit will be shipped back to you. The original module is recycled here at our facility.

To ensure a matching unit, match up the module’s Hardware Part Number (HW-PN). See the pictures for an example.

The order will be processed during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30 – 5:00 EST). After processing your order, we will email shipping labels and shipping instructions. If you don’t see shipping labels within 1 hour of submitting your order (during business hours) please first check your junk/spam folders. If you still don’t see the labels, please contact us at 1-888-712-2525

Features:

Plug & Play: The programming from the original unit is moved over to the good used unit one for one, which means the module sent back to you is plug and play. No software reload or calibration is required. Please note in some very rare cases of software corruption there may be need for a software reload. We see this in less than 1 percent of all modules sent in.

Quick Turnaround: Your module will be tested, transferred to the good unit, tested again, and then the good unit is sent back to you in the same day (unless otherwise noted).

Quality Tested: All our Volvo CEMs undergo rigorous tests on our specialized custom-built CAN-bus driven test bed. All functions, DTCs, and software are checked and verified for proper operation.

Lifetime Limited Warranty on the Software Transfer: This module comes with our Lifetime Limited Warranty on the Software Transfer. Please see here for more information.

Reference Numbers

8645716 | 8645719 | 8688434 | 8688436 | 8688513 | 30657629 | 9494336 | 9494594 | 8645171 | 9452553 | 8645205 | 9452596

Common Failure Symptoms

Common Communication Failures:
The following failures are almost always intermittent in nature, meaning that the CEM will operate normally most of the time. To reproduce these symptoms, start the vehicle and heat up the CEM with a hairdryer for about 5 minutes, and observe the instrument cluster for any abnormal operation.

• Low-Speed bus failures where two or more control units suddenly stop working at the same time. Most commonly the instrument cluster shuts down and the operation of power windows and sunroof is not possible. This is very common for all 2004 Volvo models with CEM part number 8688513.

• High-Speed bus failures resulting in loss of communication between the ECM, TCM, and BCM. In the most common scenario, the ABS and transmission warning messages will appear following a loud clunk from the transmission.
• Complete loss of communication where the CEM will not communicate with the rest of the network or the diagnostic tool.

Common Relay Control Failures:
• Starter motor not working even though start is approved by the immobilizer sequence
• Turn signals not working at all or one side turned on continuously
• Low beams, high beams, or fog light failures
• Horn not working at all
• Wipers not working at all or stuck in high speed
• Fuel pump relay not engaging
• CEM is not going to “sleep” causing battery drain

Common Immobilizer Failures:
In order for us to properly diagnose any of the following failures, you would need to send us your CEM, ECM, and at least one key.

• VIN not OK: The engine cranks but doesn’t start. VIDA diagnostics show that the VIN is not OK in the immobilizer sequence. This failure is caused by a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) because it has lost its synchronization code with the CEM. The CEM is assuming that the ECM doesn’t belong to your vehicle. To correct this problem we need to perform an ECM/CEM mating service at an additional cost of $150.

• CEM has lost all keys from the memory: If VIDA diagnostic tool shows zero keys stored, the CEM has lost it’s key programming. This is due to a faulty CEM. If you’re able to program keys into it again, chances are it won’t last long. To fully rectify the problem, we’d need to perform a CEM program transfer and then reload the keys manually. Additional costs may apply.

How This Service Works

Step 1: Purchase a good used unit with matching part number from a local scrap yard.
Step 2: Purchase our service online or over the phone.
Step 3: After processing your order, we will email you pre-paid shipping labels.
Step 4: Send us your old defective unit by dropping off the package to any UPS location, or call UPS to schedule a pick up.
Step 5: We will extract the software from the old unit, and program the good used unit with the extracted software.
Step 6: We will send you back the good module the same day (unless otherwise stated), and recycle your old defective unit at our facility.
Step 7: You install the unit back into your vehicle.

For more detailed instructions, please see here.

FAQ

Do you know where I can source a matching module?
A good source for used Volvo parts is Erie Vo-vo Inc if you’re on the East coast, and Volvo and Saab Dismantlers if on the West coast.

The scrap yard doesn’t have my module’s part number in stock, but they carry a similar module with a different part number. Can I send you that one?

No. The software in your module is hardware specific. The good used module must have a matching part number, or else we cannot perform this service.

Why don’t you send my original module back to me?
In order to extract the software, we have to do some hardware modifications to your original module. This process is irreversible and damages the module permanently. Your unit will be recycled at our facility.

Why is there no Lifetime Warranty on the hardware for Program Transfers to Customer Supplied units?

We offer a Lifetime Warranty on the Software only. We also test your used module before and after the transfer to make sure it is fully operational. Since it is a used part that you purchased elsewhere and we did not repair or recondition it, we do not extend the warranty to the hardware. Check with your scrap yard for their warranty terms on your module.

How long does it take for you to transfer my module?
We have same-day turnaround. This means that this service will be performed and the module shipped back out the same day we receive it.

Technical Resources

CEM Removal Instructions (PDF)

CEM Removal Instructions (Video)

How we test your CEM

DIM/CEM and Low Speed CAN Diagnostic Flow Chart