Volvo EC210B LC Fault Code 142PSID913: Complete Diagnostic Guide

What is Volvo EC210B LC Fault Code 142PSID913?

Fault Code 142PSID913 indicates a malfunction in the hydraulic pump solenoid circuit, specifically a short circuit to ground or open circuit condition detected by the Electronic Control Module (ECM). This code is part of Volvo's proprietary diagnostic system and signals that the proportional solenoid controlling hydraulic pump displacement is not receiving proper electrical signals or has failed internally.

This fault is critical for the EC210B LC because the pump solenoid directly controls hydraulic flow and pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, the excavator cannot properly modulate hydraulic power delivery to the boom, stick, bucket, and swing functions, resulting in compromised productivity and potential safety hazards on the jobsite.

Common Symptoms

When fault code 142PSID913 is active, operators typically experience:

• Reduced hydraulic power across all functions, with sluggish or weak movement of boom, stick, and bucket
• Erratic hydraulic response where functions may work intermittently or respond unpredictably to joystick inputs
• Amber or red warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster, often accompanied by a diagnostic message
• Engine derating in some cases, where the ECM limits engine RPM to protect hydraulic components
• Complete loss of hydraulic function in severe cases, rendering the machine inoperable

Potential Causes

The most common technical causes for this fault code on used EC210B LC excavators include:

• Damaged wiring harness near the main pump assembly where vibration and heat cause insulation breakdown and wire chafing
• Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the pump solenoid, especially on machines operated in wet or corrosive environments
• Failed proportional solenoid valve due to internal coil damage, contamination, or normal wear after extended service hours
• Hydraulic oil contamination causing the solenoid valve spool to stick or seize
• ECM internal fault or corrupted software, though this is less common than field-level component failures
• Ground connection degradation at the frame grounding points, particularly on older machines with rust accumulation

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Code 142PSID913

Step 1: Visual Inspection and Connector Check Begin by locating the hydraulic pump solenoid on the main pump assembly. Inspect the entire wiring harness from the ECM to the solenoid for visible damage, abrasion points, or oil contamination. On used excavators, pay special attention to areas where the harness contacts the frame or passes near hot engine components. Disconnect the solenoid connector and inspect for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture intrusion—clean with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.

Step 2: Electrical Testing with Multimeter Using a quality digital multimeter, measure the solenoid coil resistance. Typical specification for the EC210B LC pump solenoid is 8-12 ohms (consult service manual for exact values). Next, check for short to ground by measuring resistance between each solenoid terminal and machine ground—reading should be infinite (open circuit). Test the harness continuity from the ECM connector to the solenoid connector, ensuring no open circuits exist in the wiring.

Step 3: Power and Ground Verification With the ignition on and solenoid disconnected, verify that the ECM is supplying voltage to the harness connector (typically 12V or PWM signal). Check the ground circuit for proper voltage drop (should be less than 0.2V). This step is critical for used machines where ground connections deteriorate over time.

Step 4: Solenoid Replacement and Hydraulic System Check If electrical tests pass but the code persists, the solenoid valve itself has likely failed internally. Before installing a new OEM or quality aftermarket solenoid, check the hydraulic oil condition and filter status. Contaminated oil can quickly destroy a new solenoid. After replacement, clear fault codes using Volvo VCADS Pro or compatible diagnostic software and perform a functional test.

Step 5: Advanced Diagnostics If the fault returns after component replacement, the issue may be ECM-related or indicate a deeper hydraulic system problem. Use VCADS diagnostic software to monitor real-time solenoid command signals and actual response. Compare these values to factory specifications to identify ECM output issues or mechanical binding in the pump control mechanism.

---

Disclaimer: This guide provides general diagnostic information for trained technicians. Always consult the official Volvo service manual and safety procedures before performing repairs. If you lack proper diagnostic tools or experience with hydraulic systems, seek assistance from a certified Volvo technician to avoid injury or further machine damage.