EV Diagnostics
Verified EV diagnostic knowledge page

Volvo P242B

entered. System Date And Time will need to be checked after programming the Cluster using the programming operations described below. Repair A. Program the System Date and Time - F

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceContact an authorized Volvo retailer or qualified Volvo service provider for diagnosis and, if applicable, programming of the System Date and Time.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For certain 2018–2021 US Volvo models, P242B is cited in Volvo communication KC-159 as a possible fault/code associated with incorrect vehicle System Date and Time or conflicts between control-module clock values. The bulletin says System Date and Time should be checked after instrument-cluster programming.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

Video guides

Watch Videos

Relevant videos play here without leaving this diagnostic page.

No sufficiently relevant embeddable video has been accepted for this diagnostic yet.

Videos are supporting material and never override OEM or regulator evidence.

1. What does P242B mean?

For certain 2018–2021 US Volvo models, P242B is cited in Volvo communication KC-159 as a possible fault/code associated with incorrect vehicle System Date and Time or conflicts between control-module clock values. The bulletin says System Date and Time should be checked after instrument-cluster programming.

2. Technical explanation

Volvo states that multiple control modules have internal clocks that compare values with the vehicle value. Incorrect vehicle date and time can create conflicts between control modules and may result in faults/codes, including P242B. Volvo also states that programming the instrument cluster clears System Date and Time in many cases, requiring it to be entered again. The supplied evidence does not establish the standard generic OBD definition of P242B for these vehicles.

3. What system is affected?

Vehicle System Date and Time, instrument-cluster programming, and control-module clock synchronization.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • A stored P242B fault/code may be present.
  • Other control-module conflicts or faults/codes may occur when vehicle System Date and Time is incorrect. Volvo gives Data Link DTCs, P2080, P2094, and P242B as examples.

6. Possible causes

  • Incorrect vehicle System Date and Time.
  • System Date and Time cleared after instrument-cluster programming.
  • Conflicting clock values among control modules.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange qualified Volvo diagnosis, particularly if P242B appeared after instrument-cluster programming.
  • Have the vehicle System Date and Time checked using the programming operations specified by Volvo.
  • Record whether the instrument cluster was recently programmed and whether other faults/codes are present.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Verify the vehicle System Date and Time.
  2. Determine whether the instrument cluster was programmed before P242B was stored.
  3. Check for additional control-module or Data Link fault codes. The supplied bulletin identifies Data Link DTCs, P2080, P2094, and P242B as examples associated with incorrect vehicle date and time.
  4. Use Volvo-approved programming procedures. The specific programming steps are not included in the supplied evidence.

11. When to contact service

Contact an authorized Volvo retailer or qualified Volvo service provider for diagnosis and, if applicable, programming of the System Date and Time.

12. What the service center may check

  • Check System Date and Time after instrument-cluster programming.
  • Assess whether the cluster programming process cleared System Date and Time.
  • Check for control-module clock conflicts and accompanying faults/codes.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • Program or re-enter the System Date and Time using Volvo programming operations when required after cluster programming.
  • Further repair resolution is not yet established by verified evidence.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Volvo KC-159, published by NHTSA as Manufacturer Communication PDF 10203933 on November 4, 2021. It states that incorrect vehicle date and time can cause control-module conflicts and possible faults/codes, including P242B, and that System Date and Time should be checked after cluster programming.

16. Recall information

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Official source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication PDF 10203933, Volvo KC-159: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10203933-0001.pdf

19. Frequently asked questions

What does P242B mean on the listed Volvo vehicles?

The supplied Volvo bulletin identifies P242B as an example of a possible fault/code that can occur when vehicle System Date and Time is incorrect and control-module clock values conflict. A standard generic code definition is not established by the supplied evidence.

Can programming the instrument cluster cause P242B?

Volvo states that System Date and Time is cleared in many cases when the instrument cluster is programmed and must be re-entered. The bulletin associates incorrect date/time with possible faults/codes including P242B.

Should I continue driving?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

ReferenceVerified
Volvo P242B: entered. System Date And Time will need to be checked… | EV Diagnostics