Where do I plug in OSB II code reader in 1997 volvo 850

chn718 · Post by **chn718** » 04 Jan 2008, 19:41

I have volvo 850 which I have purchased a OSB-II reader, first of all where do I plug in the reader second of all is there a place to understand what the code means, and thirdly how do I reset the check engine light????

Thanks

Necromancer · Post by **Necromancer** » 04 Jan 2008, 20:10

The port is located behind the gear selector in the center console, under the ashtray. There is a small cover that holds coins that if you remove you will see the port.

Most code readers will have a function to allow you to reset the CEL.
They also normally come with a book or CD to explain what they codes mean as they may be different that what the dealer uses.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jan 2008, 20:33

The generic codes can be posted here and we'll help if your code reader didn't come with a book, or you can look them up in the free downloadable 850 repair manual located in the pinned section of this forum.

Unfortunately for your model car, a code reader (well, 99.9% unless you spent like a grand or more) won't reset your service light. On your '97 and my '98 it's to the dealer unless you buy a DRAPER Reset tool or similar. I bought my DRAPER off of eBay for about $50. You might look around if you think you'll want one. A lot of people just take the service light bulb out of their dash if it bothers them.

Necromancer · Post by **Necromancer** » 05 Jan 2008, 05:09

MIJ, I have a 97 850 T-5 that I was able to reset CEL on using a $39 code reader that I purchased at Advanced Auto.
I was able to reset transmission and MAF, and throttle position sensor codes.
Are we not talking about the same kind of codes?

Post by **JRL** » 05 Jan 2008, 06:24

Necromancer wrote:MIJ, I have a 97 850 T-5 that I was able to reset CEL on using a $39 code reader that I purchased at Advanced Auto.
I was able to reset transmission and MAF, and throttle position sensor codes.
Are we not talking about the same kind of codes?

No, he meant resetting the SERVICE light, NOT a check engine code. A generic tool will NOT do that

chn718 · Post by **chn718** » 05 Jan 2008, 22:23

Thanks for all your help, went to advanced auto and had them check it out, they said the engine was running too rich??? but said no problem.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Jan 2008, 07:46

chn718 wrote:Thanks for all your help, went to advanced auto and had them check it out, they said the engine was running too rich??? but said no problem.

No problem?
Not true!
You probably have an 02 sensor that needs replacing

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jan 2008, 09:09

...or vacuum leak(s) at the very least. They probably said "rich" is "no problem" because at least it's better than running "lean" on a turbo car, but like JRL said, it's still a problem. Did they give you the specific code(s)? That would have been more beneficial than just hearing what you heard.

chn718 · Post by **chn718** » 06 Jan 2008, 14:23

They didn't give me a code, so... O2 sensor??? How expensive is this and have you guys replaced it? I have 149,000 miles on non-turbo wagon.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jan 2008, 14:38

Once again...go after vacuum leaks...just because the 02 sensor code shows up doesn't mean this is the culprit...the code on "bank 1" is just telling you that the 02 sensor is affected. It's prudent that you fix what's underlying the 02 code. Once this is done and still the 02 code shows up, then and only then should you consider that the sensor is bad.

A good idea would be to get your codes read again, and post the actual code(s) here...but from what I've read so far, what I've posted above is probably what still applies.