Check Engine Light - Running Rough

Alwick · Post by **Alwick** » 23 Nov 2008, 10:48

'98 v70 glt, 102k

CEL just came on while on the highway. Car started running rough, felt like it wanted to stall at stoplights. I put it into neutral while stopped to keep the rpm's up and limped home. It idles very rough while in D but not really in Neutral or Park?
Accelerates and drives pretty rough and feels like it's "stuttering".
It's very cold here but the car was sufficiently warm and has been running well. Front O2 sensor was replaced a year ago, the rear is original (I think). Literally just passed 102k.
I will take it to the shop this week and have them pull codes, but in the mean time, any ideas? Very frustrated right now.

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 23 Nov 2008, 11:14

It is kind of hard to say. It could be many different things. Your best bet is to get the codes then post them here. Could be as simple as a dirty maff sensor. The codes will give a little direction in your search for the problem.

Japedo
94 850 turbo
01 V70 XC

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Nov 2008, 11:29

I agree with reading your trouble codes (you'll have to do this with a code reader- most auto parts places will do this for you- but make sure they give you the codes and you write them down for the forum). Otherwise, a quick check would be to just unplug the MAF sensor and see if the idle straightens out. If this is so, then try cleaning the MAF (Cleaner is sold at auto parts stores- just spray the little element inside of the round section without touching the sensor and let it air dry), but most likely you'll need a new MAF. I had to replace mine 2 winters ago- and my car exhibited the same symptoms as yours. You can drive your car short distances with the MAF unplugged as it will be in "limp mode," but you'll get terrible gas mileage, not to mention, stressing your 02 sensors so best to get it cleaned/replaced ASAP.

Alwick · Post by **Alwick** » 23 Nov 2008, 12:00

Thanks for the response, will get that checked out asap. I had similar conditions a couple months ago, mechanic checked fuel system, plugs, throttle components etc. No CEL and no diagnosis. Could that have been the first sign of the MAF sensor going south?
Ironic since I was on my way to IKEA!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Nov 2008, 14:13

A MAF tends to either go or get progressively worse. What you describe can also be caused by a bad battery cable or ground, so check those...also a known cause is a bad ignition key tumbler. Do things improve if you wiggle your key around in the ignition?

Post by **JRL** » 23 Nov 2008, 14:24

No one can give you any ideas without any codes

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 23 Nov 2008, 14:45

"No one can give you any ideas without any codes"

I guess MIJ and I are no one! WHat about old fashioned symptoms? They are quite usefull for diagnosing problems but thats just my 2 cents. Codes do make it easier.

Japedo

Alwick · Post by **Alwick** » 25 Nov 2008, 12:48

Turned out to be 2 bad fuel injectors. Completely blocked, kaput.
This would explain my mystery bogging/surging problem a couple of months ago, as they were starting to go then.
Those things are expensive. Should have done more "Italian Tune-ups"

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Nov 2008, 15:53

Check on Volvospeed and Swedespeed forums. Often, people are selling parts from their cars and this often includes the fuel injectors.