2003 XC70 Surging Idle Topic is solved

[nicksorg]

We were recently given this car from my in-laws. I drove it from Florida to Connecticut 3 weeks ago. As soon as I registered it here, it developed what I could best describe as a hard surging idle. The CEL came on and it threw (2) P2188 codes on bank 1. The surging idle at times would stall the car and it wouldn't start right away.

I suspected MAF, but didn't want to throw money at parts.Being new to Volvos, I decided to take it to my mechanic who referred me to someone in town who is good with them. The mechanic swapped out MAF with one he had and drove the car. It seemed to correct the issue. He also recommended doing the PCV and related hoses, but I told him I wanted to wait and see what the MAF change did. A few days later the gas tank was near empty and I stopped for a fill-up. When I started it again, the hard surging issue came back.

I let the car sit for 2 days. I got up early this morning and started it. The idle was nice and smooth. I drove it to get coffee and it ran fine. I came back and let it run 15 minutes in the driveway. It was fine so I figured I would drive it to work. 45 Minutes later I tried starting it again and immediately the surging idle returned. I shut it off and it wouldn't start up.

Based on some searching I did, it appears I'm staring at a tricky problem. I'm leaning towards swapping out the PCV and hoses, but welcome suggestions and advice.
Thanks
Nick

[nicksorg]

Update - problem solved.

I took it to the mechanic I have used for years and an indy mechanic. Indy mechanic thought breather box, but wasn't sure. The symptoms were getting more pronounced so I gave in and brought to a Volvo dealership near my office. They confirmed it was breather box and crankcase hoses that were plugged. $700 in parts and $350 labor. They were concerned that the oil pan might be blocked, but it wasn't. The car runs and drives great.
Nick

[abscate]

Thanks for the follow up Nick, well done.