Emission Sensors stuck in "Not Ready" mode

[fjcsr]

Having a darn tough time in getting my '97 850 T-5 ready for emissions test. Using a Scanner - the following sensors will not report back as "ready", even after 500+ miles of driving. The sensors that are not cooperating are: CAT, O2S, EVA.

Here is what has been done - entire PCV system replaced (That took care of the P0172 code). A new front O2 sensor (bosch) took care of the P0133 code. After the replacement of the front 02 sensor and multiple resets via scanner and hard resets via removing battery cable and letting it sit for a day - the 3 sensors mentioned above will just not report back as ready. I only need one of the three to cooperate since with a '97, 2 not readys are OK for emission testing. I have followed the many write-ups on the driving procedure to "train" sensors. Extension cables in place per the TSB for the O2 sensors.

Here is what the car is doing now: stuck in OL status with occasional CL-Fault being displayed. Front O2 reading is within range, MAP readings (lbs/min) vary from 0.700 (at Idle) to 10.0+ WOT. STFT & LTFT vary when car is out of OL mode. NO CODES PENDING or DISPLAYED.

Can the rear O2 sensor be causing my emission status and OL issues?!?!?!?!

And to top it off - just learned that in VA at least, now my '97 has to be dyno'd as well as ODBII readings for emission. Im not too worried about the dyno tho'......

[Choguy03]

Could be completly different on a Volvo, but my dad was having the same problem on a Dodge Stratus. A mechanic told him to replace the thermostat. If it is sticking open or not letting the engine get hot enough you will not be able to get your car to run through all the systems. Like I said, it could have nothing to do with it, but for a $10 fix it might be worth taking a shot. Keep us posted.

[jimmy57]

The system is very picky that the sequence for an OBD-II readiness proving drive be done correctly.
Follow this:
http://apps.volvocars.us/ownersdocs/200 ... ection.pdf

And it must be done twice.
The car may still not clear all of them but it should pass with two not being shown as ready.

[fjcsr]

The system is very picky that the sequence for an OBD-II readiness proving drive be done correctly.
Follow this:
http://apps.volvocars.us/ownersdocs/200 ... ection.pdf

And it must be done twice.
The car may still not clear all of them but it should pass with two not being shown as ready.

Thanks - Its great to see the drive cycle laid out by Volvo. There are many other posts on here and other forums that have transcribed this procedure.

I would say that I believe that I have been through the cycle at least 3 times now.... and those pesky sensors are still not ready....

[fjcsr]

so we are at 600 miles and still the O2, CAT and EVA sensors are showing ?not ready". *Sigh*

OK so I could see where if the rear O2 is bad then the O2 and CAT may act like tis - but the EVA(P)?!?!?

I tried the "cold soak" procedure that seems to work on Fords - to no avail.


Anyone?????

[Volvos rock3]

In the three years we owned our 96 850, they were never ready. Endless drivetrace cycles, etc. In PA the odo did not work so it "was" driven less than 5k yearly...exempt. You may have to get a waiver from the DMV, as they may never reset...

[tjts1]

Print this out and show 'appendix D' to the person smogging your car.
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/regs/im/obd/r01015.pdf

APPENDIX D
Manufacturers Known to Have OBD Readiness Issues

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo - Vehicles will clear readiness at key-off. There is no reprogramming
available for this line of vehicles. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination
without regard to readiness status. Volvo Technical Service Bulletin #SB 2-23-0056.

1996-98 Volvo vehicles (excluding 850 Turbo) - These vehicles may have a high degree of
“Not Ready”for catalyst and evaporative monitors due to a “trip based” design. Volvo has
provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These
vehicles should be treated as other non-problematic vehicles. Volvo Technical Service
Bulletin #SB 2-23-0056

[fjcsr]

Print this out and show 'appendix D' to the person smogging your car.
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/regs/im/obd/r01015.pdf

APPENDIX D
Manufacturers Known to Have OBD Readiness Issues

1996 Volvo 850 Turbo - Vehicles will clear readiness at key-off. There is no reprogramming
available for this line of vehicles. These vehicles should be scanned for MIL illumination
without regard to readiness status. Volvo Technical Service Bulletin #SB 2-23-0056.

1996-98 Volvo vehicles (excluding 850 Turbo) - These vehicles may have a high degree of
“Not Ready”for catalyst and evaporative monitors due to a “trip based” design. Volvo has
provided driving cycles in its service information to allow monitors to operate. These
vehicles should be treated as other non-problematic vehicles. Volvo Technical Service
Bulletin #SB 2-23-0056

The way I read this my 1997 850 Turbo would be excluded from either of these exceptions. Im at getting close to 800 miles on the car with 3 not readys still have not reported back.

Is there anyway to "force" a sensor to report? I read somewhere that the dealer may be able to do this?!?!?!

[tjts1]

The way I read this my 1997 850 Turbo would be excluded from either of these exceptions. Im at getting close to 800 miles on the car with 3 not readys still have not reported back.

Is there anyway to "force" a sensor to report? I read somewhere that the dealer may be able to do this?!?!?!

Your 1997 is a T5 not Turbo. 1996 was the last year for the '850 Turbo' model name.

[fjcsr]

Its worth a shot!!!

I would still love to know why at 285k miles the sensors just stopped reporting back......