1999 s70 trouble codes P1021,1026,1032,1081 & 0420

money saver · Post by **money saver** » 26 Aug 2009, 13:24

This is my first posting. I own a 1999 Volvo s70 non-turbo (196k miles). I keep on top of the maintenance and keep extensive records. I recently had my ETM replaced (last week) by Technology Driven Products (TDP)/XeModex. Two days after the repaired ETM was installed (by a mechanic), the check engine light came on. Then as I was going up a bridge, the ETS light illuminated and it would not accelerate. I called TDP customer service the following day and they suggested I have the ETM removed and returned to them for testing. I explained to them that I paid approx. $300 to have the part removed, Fed Expressed to them, and replaced. I could not afford to absorb that cost again. I was told to have the codes read at Auto Zone and call them back. Well, I disconnected the battery for 30 minutes to reset all codes. Three days later I experienced the same problem (illuminated ETS & engine light as well as decrease acceleration and stalling). I had the codes read immediately by Auto Zone and was given codes P1021, P1026, & P01032. Four days later, same issue as above. I went to a different Auto Zone and received the following codes: P1021, P1026, P1032, P1081, and P0420. The gentlemen at Auto zone said its the O2 sensor. In addition, I did some research on this site and it appears that these codes can relate to 02 sensors, catalytic converter, etc.
I am becoming frustrated because no one can tell me what the problem is and I've already spent $900 to have the ETM repaired and I'm still having the same symptoms. Oh I forgot to mention that prior to having my ETM repaired, I paid the Volvo dealership $120 to have my car professionally diagnosed because I was on the highway (doing appox. 70mph) and my vehicle increasing lost acceleration to the point I had to pull onto the shoulder of the highway with my children. The dealership assured me that it was the ETM but it would not be covered because I was 2 months outside of my warranty based on vehicle inservice date.

So my question is what does these codes mean and what repairs are needed so I'm not in danger of stalling when on the road? I was told during my last oil change that my fluids were dirty (transmission) and need to be flushed. Would that have anything to do with these codes?

Post by **misha** » 27 Aug 2009, 18:01

First of all...disconnection of battery DOES NOT

clear the codes,you need scan tool to clear the codes.
Did they reset your trouble codes at autozone or they just read them?
I really can't help you about trouble codes you have,because i don't have those codes in my conversion table of standardized trouble codes.
I'm sure that some of the moderators will be able to help you.

Good luck!

money saver · Post by **money saver** » 28 Aug 2009, 09:23

Auto Zone did reset the codes each time they used the scanner. However, I was told by Xemodex to disconnect the battery for 15-30 minutes. I guess I made the assumption that the codes were being reset because once the battery was reconnected there were no lights illuminated on the dashboard.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 28 Aug 2009, 13:27

While disconnecting the battery does not reset the codes it does re-zero the trim levels to factory values. As you drive it "Learns" but sometimes it learns bad things and can't get itself back into range.

With the exception of the P0420 Your codes all point to continuing ETM problems. The P0420 is a catalytic converter efficiency code but that could be cause by an improper mixture and the rear O2 sensor being overwhelmed.

...Lee

jadnhm · Post by **jadnhm** » 31 Aug 2009, 07:34

I have successfully cleared the codes from my 1998 V70 by disconnecting the battery for an extended period as the OP suggested. The MIL will go out too. Have your radio code handy.

money saver · Post by **money saver** » 31 Aug 2009, 14:26

Ozark Lee wrote:While disconnecting the battery does not reset the codes it does re-zero the trim levels to factory values. As you drive it "Learns" but sometimes it learns bad things and can't get itself back into range.

With the exception of the P0420 Your codes all point to continuing ETM problems. The P0420 is a catalytic converter efficiency code but that could be cause by an improper mixture and the rear O2 sensor being overwhelmed.

...Lee

Thanks. You are absolutely right. It was my ETM again and its being repaired again under warranty by Xemedex (see my detail post under the ETM forum). I hope my catalytic converter is not trying to go out next. What are symptoms of a bad catalytic converter other than the P0420 code?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 31 Aug 2009, 16:26

What are symptoms of a bad catalytic converter other than the P0420 code?

Normally when they really go bad the honeycomb inside of them disintegrates and it sounds like it is full of gravel if you smack it with your hand. Obviously this is a test to be done after it has cooled off.

...Lee