check engine light on 96 960

phammon13 · Post by **phammon13** » 11 Nov 2008, 07:48

I just purchased a '96 960 about 2 weeks ago. The check engine light came on and the code comes up as P0103, maf or vaf a high input. Do you know what the repair is for this? Can I fix myself? I hear a lot of vacuums running after I turn it off. Also, must be blind, I can't find the transmission fluid dip stick to check fluid. Thanks for any help.

Post by **billofdurham** » 11 Nov 2008, 12:31

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

P0103 indicates a possible fault in the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF). Your engine is probably idling rough. Try disconnecting the MAF sensor and see if it makes any difference to the idle.

The problem can be something simple such as a bad connection or the sensor needs replacing

First step is to check the connections at the sensor. With the engine idling move the wires at the connector to see if there is a bad connection. Switch off the engine, pull the plug off the sensor and visually check the connections for corrosion on the terminals. If these checks are negative you can spray the MAF sensor with a special cleaner, obtainable at most good parts outlets.

Further checks require a multimeter to check for earth (ground) resistance and voltage at the different terminals in the plug. If you need to do this post back and I shall explain how to do it.

must be blind, I can't find the transmission fluid dip stick to check fluid.

Not really, it is tucked way down beside the bulkhead (firewall) on the driver's side of the engine. It should have a yellow handle on it to help you find it. N.B. driver's side if it is LHD, passenger side if it is RHD.

Bill.

phammon13 · Post by **phammon13** » 16 Nov 2008, 16:25

Thanks for your reply; I've realized there is a plug going into the MAF. I bought another Chilton, gave mine with the Volvo I sold, and see what the plug looks like but can't figure out where the other end goes. Can I use one from a junk yard?

Post by **billofdurham** » 17 Nov 2008, 12:30

There are four wires to/from the MAF. Three go to the Engine Control Module and the fourth to the injectors.

You could try a MAF from the junk yard but may end up with one in the same condition as yours.

Have you tried a MAF cleaner?

Bill.

phammon13 · Post by **phammon13** » 17 Nov 2008, 19:07

Sorry, I meant to say, there is no plug going into the MAF. Do you know what this plug/connector is called? If I get MAF cleaner, do I take the canister apart to clean inside or is it something that goes through the fuel injectors? Thanks again.

Post by **billofdurham** » 18 Nov 2008, 12:34

If there is no plug going into the MAF that is the problem as the MAF won't be working.

There must be a plug there. It is oblong and will have a wiring harness big enough to take 4 wires.

Where exactly are you looking? The MAF is between the air cleaner and the air intake hose. It is on the side of that unit nearest to the driver's side strut turret.

The MAF cleaner is sprayed onto the MAF. This link will take you to the IPD page dealing with it.

http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-940960/Engi ... -345-2798/

Bill.

phammon13 · Post by **phammon13** » 18 Nov 2008, 19:25

I checked the Chilton, so I know where to look. The 4 prongs are completely exposed. I have looked all around for the plug but no luck. What is the plug called and where does it lead to? I can't tell by looking at the book. Sorry. Thanks again for taking the time.

Post by **billofdurham** » 19 Nov 2008, 12:13

No MAF plug! I think that is a first.

When you bought the car was it running/idling badly or did the fault only appear after you had driven for a few days?

If it only occurred after you had the car for a few days I would say that the MAF plug has detached itself somehow but, as it is attached to 4 wires, it will be dangling in the engine compartment somewhere.

It is rectangular, not sure of dimensions off hand, and will have a wiring harness attached to it.

The wiring is:
Yellow/grey to terminal A3 of the ECM.
Yellow/violet to terminal A4 of the ECM.
Green/brown to terminal A5 of the ECM.
Green which splits after it leaves the MAF to fuel injectors; fuse 5 of the engine compartment fuse box and terminal A27 of the ECM.

Bill.

phammon13 · Post by **phammon13** » 21 Nov 2008, 12:09

It was that way when I bought it, light on, I found a Jiffy Lube receipt and it state MAF disconnected, but I can't find the plug anywhere. I will have someone else look. Car running smooth, occassional loss of acceleration but recovers itself.