Re: 1999 S70 runs then dies (1Wagon post)

[1Wagon]

I took the car for a Home Depot run...paper clip mode. I noticed the car tried to bog down a bit every now and again (whether it I was going a steady 45 mph 2500 rpm or from a dead stop). The arrow (W mode) light was on and blinking as well as the traction light periodically....and the odometer would be blank.
Of course I made sure to park far out in the parking lot backed into a spot in case I ended up needing a tow.
I am home now so I survived out there. Heading to back to work may be a different story tomorrow. Can I continue to "attempt" to drive the car with the paper clip? Part won't be here for a few.

Thanks,
Amy

[abscate]

Im not sure about the blinking W light since I dont have that function on my 1999. Ill let experts chime in on this.

[Klausc]

You really shouldn't drive the car while it is in paper clip mode. The fuel pump is on, even if you have an accident. Besides the paper clip can get extremely hot and melt things. This is just a test to determine if the relay is bad.

As to the blinking arrow, that is not related. With the ignition OFF, row the gear shifter from R to L about 20 times. That exercise sometime cleans up the PNP switch and keeps the car from going into limp home mode for a month.

You should have ordered the relay from IPD.com as they are much closer to Oregon :>)

[1Wagon]

Just came back in from the garage after replacing the headlight and I removed the paper clip.

I shall try the gear shift trick in the am before work.

IPD in Portland...who knew? Not me! Next time.

I live in Bend, Oregon and have found (after a few useless/expensive trips to the Volvo dealership) a very reliable, honest independent mechanic that only works on Volvos, Audi, and VW.

If I can't do this on my own, I will hand it over to him.

Thanks for the advice.

Sincerely,
Amy

[1Wagon]

I was able to drive to work and back. The bogging down seems to be more prevalent when going from stop/idle to throttle.
Throttle didn't seem to engage until I got it to almost 3000 rpm.
While I am driving, many lights on on (check engine, trac, arrow blinking, brake light, etc).
Odometer and speedometer intermittently go blank.

Awaiting the arrival of both the fuel pump relay fuse and antenna plug/ring.
I will replace each part separately to hopefully rule out what the problem may be.
I replaced the MAF 3 years ago (OEM). Should I try taking that apart and clean?
My fear is that this whole issue may be the ETM (although the ETS light has not been on for years).
The "check engine" light, however, has been on most of the time I have owned the vehicle.

(@ Klaus: thanks for the advice. I did try the gear shift (D to L back and forth about 20 plus times). Unfortunately, the arrow was blinking throughout my drive).

I will update after I receive the new parts.

Thanks again,
Amy

[mikealder]

Does the ETS light come on when you first switch the ignition on, if not then the bulb has probably blown and should be replaced - Mike

[abscate]

Amy - the car runs much better if put it back on its wheels ...

we need to get you hither to an AutoZone and read codes from the OBD - you need the actual code, like

P0666, not someone saying "ITs an EVAP code"

Dont freak if there are 10 codes stored. Usually there is one thing wrong with your car, and that generates a bunch of codes.

Im considering applying the Click-and-Clack 10 yard penalty for witholding information, but Ill cut you some slack in case you are attending my next procedure.

LOL, all in jest...

[1Wagon]

Mike,
I didn't even think about that (maybe that's why it hasn't been on for years! Ha).
I will scope it out this morning when I go to work.

Thanks,
Amy

[1Wagon]

Just one more thing to add:
It hasn't "died" in the last few days. It's wanted to but if I rev a bit, it holds it's own with a lot of effort.
That's new since last week. Last week it would big down and die. All power steering, etc. gone.

Is it not dying completely since I pulled the fuel relay and cleaned it and put back in?
The same with antenna ring?

[abscate]

Just noticed you have uǝʇ pǝɹpunɥ oʍʇ thousand miles on your car - CONGRATS
Thats important because it probably points to other things we need to think about.

Is it a turbo model - big fat (4 inches diamter) hoses going up and over the engine to the radiator, and then back from the radiator to the engine?

Has the PVC (crankcase ventilation) system been serviced on this car?