LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Volvo >> 2009 >> XC90 R-Design, FWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Miscellaneous Electrical - Design And Function >> Central Electronic Module (CEM) (2005-2014) >> System Overview >> Control Module
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Control Module

Fig 1: CEM
GLL146395Courtesy of VOLVO CARS CORPORATION

The role of the central electronic module (CEM) is to control the controller area network (CAN) and to act as a bridge between the low and high speed sections of the controller area network (CAN) and the data link connector (DLC).

It also manages the following functions:

The control module is to the left of the steering column under the dashboard. The entire control module is removed from the car during replacement.

A car configuration file is stored in the central electronic module (CEM). This file contains information about:

When replacing the central electronic module (CEM), the VIN cannot be read off until the software has been downloaded from the Volvo central database.

The central electronic module (CEM) communicates with directly connected components and with other control modules and components via serial communication and the control area network (CAN).

The central electronic module (CEM) uses built in diagnostics to check all activations and the input and output signals. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored if the control module detects a fault. In certain cases, the incorrect signal is replaced with a substitute value. Other control modules use the network to report to the central electronic module (CEM) if they have diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored. This function is used when reading off diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) without VIDA (Volvo scan tool).

Any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored in the control module memory. This information can be read off using VIDA via the data link connector in the vehicle.

The easiest way to check if the central electronic module (CEM) is grounded and receiving power is to activate the hazard warning signal flasher. The central electronic module (CEM) is powered if the function operates.