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98 s70 Runs poorly

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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nickdeary
Posts: 15
Joined: 10 December 2009
Year and Model: 1998 S70
Location: Boston

98 s70 Runs poorly

Post by nickdeary »

Hi guys,

I have a 98 volvo s70 which runs really badly. I recently replaced the alternator and the starter and in order to loosen the belt I had to remove the PCM, which I removed without disconnecting the battery. The car runs like shit now, but when you disconnect the MAF it runs good enough to drive, so i figured that means new MAF, so I got a new one and when you hook up the new one same problem. This makes me think whatever connects to the MAF is busted. THe other thing is that this car ran great before I replaced the alternator. I think this issue is something wrong with the PCM but I am open to suggestions.

THanks

Nick

Ozark Lee
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Post by Ozark Lee »

What if any codes is the car posting? Codes go a long way in helping us diagnose your specific problem.

Most chain auto parts stores will either read them for free or "rent" you a scanner so that you can read them yourself. The "rent" works by charging you list price for the scanner and then they will credit your card back 100% when you return the tool.

...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe

nickdeary
Posts: 15
Joined: 10 December 2009
Year and Model: 1998 S70
Location: Boston

Post by nickdeary »

Sorry I should have informed you. When the MAF is NOT hooked up i get the MAF malfunctioning code which is obvious. When I have the MAF hooked up the car shows no codes until you get it to stall and then it pulls Turbo Wastegate Code. Let me know if there is anything else I can tell you. I have a strong feeling that between alternator replacement starter replacement and taking out the pCM and everything I have caused this.

Thanks so much!

jblackburn
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Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5
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Post by jblackburn »

So it's a turbo model then?

My thinking is that there is in fact some turbo air hose or vacuum hose or something that got knocked off somewhere. That it runs without the MAF sensors suggests (doesn't necessarily indicate) that it's not measuring all of the air entering the engine, so that it runs on a best-guess estimate for what's actually there when the sensor isn't plugged in.

If all else fails, yank the negative cable to the battery, drain the charge through the ignition key or brake pedal, and re-connect it.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!

nickdeary
Posts: 15
Joined: 10 December 2009
Year and Model: 1998 S70
Location: Boston

Post by nickdeary »

you the man! I found one of my hoses were lose car runs fine now! While I got your attention the final problem on the car is that I believe the rack and pinion is shot because it got hyperextended due to a missing bumper on a control arm. Can I replace the rack myself or do i need to jack up the engine?

THanks

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