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Volvo Trailer system service required

Trailer system service required

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService is appropriate because Volvo TJ36513 provides service instructions for the documented TRM condition. The supplied evidence does not establish urgency, drivability, or charging status.
Confidence90%

Quick answer

For certain U.S. 2017–2022 Volvo S60, S90, V60, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles, the “Trailer system service required” message is documented in Volvo technical journal TJ36513 when the towbar/trailer module (TRM) has no function, cannot communicate with VIDA, and/or the message is displayed. The journal applies only to TRM part number 32386674.

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

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1. What does Trailer system service required mean?

For certain U.S. 2017–2022 Volvo S60, S90, V60, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles, the “Trailer system service required” message is documented in Volvo technical journal TJ36513 when the towbar/trailer module (TRM) has no function, cannot communicate with VIDA, and/or the message is displayed. The journal applies only to TRM part number 32386674.

2. Technical explanation

NHTSA-published Volvo technical journal TJ36513, dated February 13, 2023, identifies this message in connection with a towbar/trailer module (TRM) condition. The documented condition is TRM no function, no VIDA communication, and/or a DIM message stating “Trailer system service required.” The bulletin is limited to vehicles fitted with TRM part number 32386674, which Volvo states was introduced to the aftermarket in model year/week 2022w42.

3. What system is affected?

Towbar/trailer module (TRM); Volvo functional group 8920, Recovery and towing unit.

4. How serious is this code?

Unknown. The verified diagnostic record does not assign a severity.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • DIM message: “Trailer system service required.”
  • Towbar/trailer module (TRM) has no function.
  • No VIDA communication with the TRM.

6. Possible causes

  • A specific root cause is not established by the supplied verified evidence.
  • The official Volvo journal applies only when TRM part number 32386674 is fitted.

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 diagnosis by a Volvo retailer or qualified service provider, particularly if trailer or towbar functions are unavailable.
  • Provide the displayed message and ask the service provider to check applicability of Volvo TJ36513 and whether TRM part number 32386674 is installed.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Confirm whether the vehicle is within the documented U.S. application range and has a trailer/towbar module.
  2. Have a service provider verify TRM communication using VIDA.
  3. Have a service provider confirm the TRM part number before applying TJ36513 guidance.

11. When to contact service

Service is appropriate because Volvo TJ36513 provides service instructions for the documented TRM condition. The supplied evidence does not establish urgency, drivability, or charging status.

12. What the service center may check

  • Verify whether the trailer/towbar module is functioning.
  • Check whether VIDA communication with the TRM is available.
  • Confirm whether the installed TRM is part number 32386674.
  • Review Volvo technical journal TJ36513 if the bulletin’s part-number condition is met.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • The supplied evidence confirms that Volvo TJ36513 contains service instructions for the condition, but the actual repair procedure and resolution are not included in the provided evidence.
  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Volvo Technical Journal TJ36513, published by Volvo Car USA and available through NHTSA as Manufacturer Communication 10233248; status date February 13, 2023.
  • Applicability stated in the journal: vehicles with TRM part number 32386674.

16. Recall information

  • No recall information was supplied or established by the verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Official source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10233248, Volvo TJ36513: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/ffdd/tsbs/TSBS_RECEIVED_2020-2024.zip#nhtsa_id=10233248

19. Frequently asked questions

What does “Trailer system service required” mean on an applicable Volvo?

Volvo TJ36513 documents the message when the towbar/trailer module may have no function and/or may have no VIDA communication. The supplied evidence does not establish a more specific root cause.

Which vehicles are listed in the verified data?

U.S. 2017–2022 Volvo S60, S90, V60, XC40, XC60, and XC90 models are listed. Bulletin applicability also depends on fitment of TRM part number 32386674.

Can I continue driving?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

Does this affect charging?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

Is this a recall?

No recall information was supplied or established by the verified evidence. The provided official document is a Volvo technical journal, TJ36513.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
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