Check Engine Light on 97 Volvo 850

[chn718]

Hi all, I recently bought a 97 Volvo 850 wagon with 150,000 miles on it, recently it has been having problems starting, I would need to turn the key once and the engine would crank, but it would not start, if I let it go and then crank it again it would start. I took it to my mechanic and he said the spark plug wire was shot/burnt and so he replaced all the spark plugs and the spark plug wire, and distributor cap I believe, or whatever else is related to the spark plugs. It started ok maybe the first 2 times but now 5 days later, it's still having the same problems and recently the check engine light just came on while I was driving it, I took it to autozone and the guy said it says that the car is running with too rich. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Does anyone know what the source of the problem might be? How many more miles might I get out of this car? Thanks !

[MadeInJapan]

Knowing the exact code would help but "too rich" a condition can be from numerous sources. I would check all of my little hoses to make sure there are no breaks in them. Some small breaks are hard to spot. Spray some carb cleaner around the hoses with the car idling and you'll know where the holes are when the car surges. Usual culprits are the hose elbows closest to the engine. Another thought is, what did your mechanic use for replacement parts? Plugs and wires especially are things these cars are picky about. They don't like Bosch Platinum plugs (stick with Bosch copper or Volvo plugs) or Bosch wires...Stick with Bougicord wires (OEM). Let us know what you find. That said, a "rich" condition can also be the result of a bad oxygen sensor. At 150K miles, if the front one hasn't been replaced, it's time. So to summarize, do the cheap stuff first and if that doesn't get it, then the 02 sensor. Once again, knowing the specific code would certainly help.

[pgd94850]

I bought my 94 850 with about 150,000 almost 2 years ago and its about to turn over 200,000. I have had 2 issues with a crank no start senario. Can be very frustrating. People prob could give you 30 things to check but might not be related to your trouble.
I agree with MadeInJapan, Best to get the exact code. I would check this first before replacing a lot of parts. Mine does not have an odb2 diag it has an onboard diagnostic unit. Once the codes are read clear and see if any trouble codes appear.

[Sperry]

Mine does not have an odb2 diag it has an onboard diagnostic unit. Once the codes are read clear and see if any trouble codes appear.

What's the connector beneath the coin dish?

[MadeInJapan]

That's an OBD connector. Some people who have 850's as early as '94 had both this connector and the diagnostic boxes under the hood. The diagnostic boxes will read ALL of the specific Volvo codes while from the OBD you can only read generic codes unless you have the mega expensive Volvo Scan Tool (VST), so if you want just a quick code reading and don't mind the generics, you can use the connector under the coin holder.

[Sperry]

I've checked A-7 codes, but should one routinely check the other spots, even if there is no check light? Like A2, etc?

Does one always start off with a single push of the DTC button?

[MadeInJapan]

A-7 is only the instrument cluster (and to reset your service light). A-2 is the Fuel system. There is a list of pertinent sockets for the codes here: http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... hp?t=10758

You start off by pushing the button for one full second to retrieve the codes no matter which socket you're using.
Hope this helps.
MIJ

[Hot Pepper Thai]

To all the 93 GLT's Lovers. I have tried to reset the service light. I've tried the 1-5-1 that was in the blog and notta. If anyone and this is the OBD-1 people can let me know how does one remove the service light. I read about remove the bulb, but that's not what I really want to do. All suggestions are welcome! HPT. THANKS (93 GLT)

[milesursogood]

sperry, so if you have the OBD connector only, what type of scanner did you use? and where did you purchase it? thanks.

I've checked A-7 codes, but should one routinely check the other spots, even if there is no check light? Like A2, etc?

Does one always start off with a single push of the DTC button?

[milesursogood]

where exactly is the diagnostic boxes under the hood of a '97 850 T5 wagon?

That's an OBD connector. Some people who have 850's as early as '94 had both this connector and the diagnostic boxes under the hood. The diagnostic boxes will read ALL of the specific Volvo codes while from the OBD you can only read generic codes unless you have the mega expensive Volvo Scan Tool (VST), so if you want just a quick code reading and don't mind the generics, you can use the connector under the coin holder.

[MadeInJapan]

There shouldn't be any diagnostic boxes under the hood on a '97. Only the OBD-II connector under the coin holder.

[Sperry]

There is a little user-accessible box under the hood, with a lead wire and different sockets in which to plug the lead. A button and flashing light are the only other interface.

Under the coin tray is a reader socket, but I have not yet borrowed a reader to see how it works.


milesursogood sperry, so if you have the OBD connector only, what type of scanner did you use? and where did you purchase it? thanks.