Unable to read Codes. 1996 850 Turbo

[phunkdeefied]

I've been driving the car around for a week or so and am still unable to read any codes. The OBD reader says No DTC's stored. However there are several tests that appear incomplete. Does anyone know what it takes for these tests to be complete? I've read about a drive cycle. What exactly is this?

There do not seem to be any problems with the car, but would just like to know for sure. Thanks Guys.

[MadeInJapan]

If you are having trouble getting your 850 through state emissions test and the source of your frustration is ‚"readiness‚" codes that aren't set, the following procedure from Volvo will help set the readiness codes.

Start with the vehicle cool, below 122 degrees F.
Turn off the air conditioning.
Select a location where the driving can be done without violating traffic laws and you can stop safely at the side of the road.

1. Start the engine and accelerate to approximately 1500-2000 rpm.
2. Drive for 6 minutes at 1500-2000 rpm.
3. Stop the vehicle and remain at idle in drive for 70 seconds.
4. Accelerate to at least 45mph and drive for 5 minutes at 1800-2200 rpm.
5. Stop the vehicle and remain at idle in drive for 60 seconds.
6. Accelerate to at least 45 mph and drive for 4 minutes at 1800-2200 rpm.
7. Stop the vehicle and remain at idle in drive for 60 seconds.
8. Park the vehicle and turn off the engine.

This procedure must be performed TWICE from a cold start to set the readiness codes.

Some people say that if doing it twice doesn't get it, do it a third time.

Just driving around for a week or two, getting on the highway, stopping for groceries, etc. will also work if you have the time.

Pulling a battery or repairing or replacing a sensor could cause your car to not show the desired readiness codes. If you have frantically worked on your car to get it ready for an inspection, take heed. Probe your ECU with a scanner and do the drive cycles to avoid a headache and $$ at the inspection station.

[phunkdeefied]

Great post! Thanks for the information.

[MadeInJapan]

Just found that I was wrong....it's already posted here (although by the title, you wouldn't know): Drive Cycles for Readiness

More information in the thread above, so pick your liking on the drive cycle. I believe any one of them will work if you're willing to persist.

[drsugg]

A note on readiness monitors and drive cycles for California smog checks. A lot of 850's are included in California's schedule J. These cars are exempt from readiness monitors being set in the smog check inspection. Found this out when my 97 850 would not set monitors even though I had been driving around for 6 weeks. Schedule J is a list of makes and models that are exempt from this part of test. I personally believe that the scanner inadvertently resets the monitors when accessing the ECM. When I was using a VST, I never ran into this problem. Google" OBD ll problems" for a lot of states listing a lot of exemption's. My smog inspector was not aware of a OBD ll car being on this list.

[birdstephen]

I was finally able to accomplish all of the readiness tests. Here is how I did it.

No codes, no light, I am off to the inspection station! I hope this post can help someone,

[MadeInJapan]

That's funny- that's the diagram I originally posted on the Brickboard years ago-- always amazes me how things come full circle eventually.

[jstout310]

Any chance of getting a copy of the diagram that was above re-posted?
I am currently working on readiness on my 98 S70 - it has been one week of
driving highway and city, and still have 5 that are not ready...

Thanks
Joe S.

[2forty]

Thanks for the information!

[dwit10]

Thank you x2 for this post. Worked on a 97 850 & our recently purchased 98 S70 w/a "new" engine.