'98 S-70. gasing up w/ engine running: fault code?

ADK46R · Post by **ADK46R** » 30 Dec 2009, 10:14

My S 70 , which I've only had for about a week, had the "check engine" light come on the other day. I had my local mechanic run a basic diagnostic on the OBD II. After reading the codes, he asked if I had either gassed up while the engine was running or had left the gas cap loose. I said I may have gassed up while the engine was running just the day before (it was below zero). He said that could have caused the code to crop up and trigger the "check engine" light. He reset the code and all seems well. But could that have been the problem?

Post by **JDS60R** » 30 Dec 2009, 10:33

Yes, the evap system monitors pressure in the fuel tank and emission system by pumping or vacuuming air to determine even the slightest of gas fume leaks that may effect the environment.

Please do not gas up with the car running. The light will continue to to return if you do. It is also a safety hazard as gas fumes will be expelled from the tank or evap vac pump. In gaseous form it ignites quite well. When exploding it usually only throws the individual back 3 or 4 feet with resultant second degree burns to exposed skin. The real problem is when the flame front gets enough air cavitation to get into the tank and get the liquid gas to heat enough to turn to vapors and explode. Now thats an explosion. If you have ever seen a building blow up on tv with a orange fire shooing up with a black top to the fire you have seen a gas pot explosion. This usually takes less than 5 gallons. Your tank holds more.

Maybe I have been investigating auto losses for too long. The above is meant only for your infomation and safety.

I think Volvo switched to the vac pump and a charcoal canister at one year but I do not know which year. This is a much safer system but the hazard still exists.

ADK46R · Post by **ADK46R** » 30 Dec 2009, 14:57

JDS60R wrote:Yes, the evap system monitors pressure in the fuel tank and emission system by pumping or vacuuming air to determine even the slightest of gas fume leaks that may effect the environment.

Please do not gas up with the car running. The light will continue to to return if you do. It is also a safety hazard as gas fumes will be expelled from the tank or evap vac pump. In gaseous form it ignites quite well. When exploding it usually only throws the individual back 3 or 4 feet with resultant second degree burns to exposed skin. The real problem is when the flame front gets enough air cavitation to get into the tank and get the liquid gas to heat enough to turn to vapors and explode. Now thats an explosion. If you have ever seen a building blow up on tv with a orange fire shooing up with a black top to the fire you have seen a gas pot explosion. This usually takes less than 5 gallons. Your tank holds more.

Maybe I have been investigating auto losses for too long. The above is meant only for your infomation and safety.

I think Volvo switched to the vac pump and a charcoal canister at one year but I do not know which year. This is a much safer system but the hazard still exists.

Yikes

Had no idea that gassing w/ the engine running was so dangerous!

Will be sure that engine is OFF when gassing up from now on. Thanks for the tip.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 30 Dec 2009, 15:03

There's a reason "TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE" stickers all put all over pumps...

Volgrrr · Post by **Volgrrr** » 30 Dec 2009, 17:55

Yikes Had no idea that gassing w/ the engine running was so dangerous! Will be sure that engine is OFF when gassing up from now on. Thanks for the tip.

Another absolute no no that can cause considerable consternation is using, on a dark night, a cigarette lighter to try and see how much fuel is in the tank.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 22 Jan 2010, 08:40

Volgrrr wrote:
Yikes Had no idea that gassing w/ the engine running was so dangerous! Will be sure that engine is OFF when gassing up from now on. Thanks for the tip.
Another absolute no no that can cause considerable consternation is using, on a dark night, a cigarette lighter to try and see how much fuel is in the tank.

HAHAHAHAHA...