Check Engine Light....Bad luck all at once

[dugitman]

Well,

1994 850 non turbo manual tranny

I've replaced an alternator and battery. Matt found a quick fix to get in my broken glovebox(thx) but stereo codes not in there. Now this.

Check Engine light is on. My thermostat is stuck open which i won't be able to repair until Tuesday. Is it possible cat was damaged while car was in death throes with alternator. Could it be thermostat? I looked in archives and found advice to use gas treatment since this happened in cold and could be result of condensation etc. What route would some of u take and how much can i drive the car without fear of it asplodin'? Timing belt has only 15K on it and 02 sensor is year old so i think im good there. Appreciate all your help. Also, how do i shut check engine light off if i do zero in on problem.

Sorry, Not happy today,
Doug

[dugitman]

OK i'll beat you all to mocking me. After very little searching, i found that it is most likely my thermostat and EC sensor. Question now is--"can i put this off till next weekend and run the car rich for 5 days(150 miles)?

in archives matt has a step by step for replacing therm which is amended by someone else. He contends you could just disconnect lower radiator hose to drain coolant and go from there. That clamp looks just as hard to get to as putting the whole thing on ramps(which i don't have). I saw another solution which referred to "hose clamps" but don't know what i'm doing there.

1.) Should i just replace the sensor since i'm in there already?
2.) What is the fewest steps i can use since long-methodical-involved is not really my strong point.

a little happier,
Doug

[matthew1]

You should read your codes to get an idea of what's wrong. How to:

Ignition off
Stick the flylead attached to the cover into A2 socket
Ignition on
press the button next to the led once
Codes appear as blinks, copy down the code onto paper.
Press button again after code displayed to see next code.
After all codes displayed, codes repeat.
(ie continue copying down codes until first code repeats.)
1-1-1 means nothing's there (hopefully, all OK).
Switch off ignition.



But generally Check Engine is emissions related, so you can drive for short periods without damaging things.

[dosbricks]

Matt found a quick fix to get in my broken glovebox(thx) but stereo codes not in there.
Doug

Volvo dealership can get you your radio code, but you must take the car in, show proof of ownership, and give the VIN.

Hang in there.

[dugitman]

Thanks,

I had read that and went to dealership. They tried to get $10 out of me (i laughed) but eventually gave me the code. Radio works fine now and even got some free advice on that scary lower radiator hose.
I still think i need to get it into air tho to make it easier.