1997 S90 check engine light and missing going upgrade

[wojo1]

I have a 1997 Volvo S90 4 DR with 177,000 miles. I just refueled, being careful to replace gas cap tightly. When I got back on the road on hilly/mountainous PA and WV (I-79 S and I-68 E) the check engine light came on and the engine started missing badly going up steep upgrades. At first the check engine light was blinking and then it just stayed on until I was going up very steep inclines when the engine would start to miss going up the incline and the light would begin to blink and then stay on again. By the time I refueled we were out of the steep incline areas and the check engine light remained on but the car did not miss any more since we were not going up the very steep mountainous inclines. When I returned home I checked the spark plugs and it appeared they needed replacing and I am replacing them now. Do you think I just got some bad gas? or Is there something wrong with the emission system? Is this something that needs to be looked at by a dealer? Is there a way to do a diagnostic check (as on my Dodge Ram pickup) by turning the key off and on a number of times and getting a diagnostic reading on the dash panel? If so, where can I get the description of the codes on the Web? Is there an easier way to get the check engine light to go off without having to disconnect the battery and needing to reset the radio, security system, etc.? I'm not even sure I have all the codes to do that. Thanks,

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Is there a way to do a diagnostic check

Not so simple on that Volvo. However, you can get codes read free of charge at places like Autozone. This may point you in the right direction. If you do obtain codes post them here and we shall see what they mean.

Bill.