1997 855 GLT ABS TRACS SRS Lambda, service lights

Jush · Post by **Jush** » 06 Sep 2013, 09:48

I just bought my car for $900, It runs, drives and brakes almost flawlessly. However, My dashboard is telling me otherwise, With all these lights illuminated, I'm not sure what to do about the Lambda and service lights. (I've already figured the ABS and TRACS problem is the ABS module and will continue to remove and re-solder the cracking connections, hopefully that is the issue). So, A few questions. My resources are pretty good, In my shop class at school we have a Snap On scan tool, hopefully we can pull some codes with that.

1. Are the TRACS and ABS system related? Because when I try and turn TRACS back on, the light just stays on and gives no response to when I press the button.

2. SRS. Now I've done a bit of research and this could be a scary problem... I want to know if there are any ways to determine the cause of this light, other than pulling the codes? Just in case the codes aren't readable to the scan tool.. (I heard mention of OBD, so I asked my teacher and he said it may work)

3. Lambda.. correct me if I'm wrong, but could a simple tune up i.e. spark plugs, cap and rotor, timing belt, oil change etc.. solve this issue?

4. I also read about sea-foaming my engine, and from what it seems it works wonders, I think I may give it a try.

Any opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated!
-Josh

Post by **rmmagow** » 06 Sep 2013, 11:30

1. YES. Send your unit to www.midwest-abs.com and forget about issues from then on.
2. Strongly doubt a generic OBD can pull volvo srs codes. Go to a dealer for a read but don't let them fix it ($$$$$$$). Have them clear the codes too and see if they come back. Certain maintenance procedures if you don't disconnect the battery can cause the SRS to go on even though all is fine.
3. Lambda, CEL Right? Pull OBD codes and come on back here. 1.7 million reasons for the light and many are really easy to remedy. Pic up a cheap OBDII code reader, you'll need it.
4. Take care of 1 2 3 first. Seafoam's good, not a cure all though.
How many miles on the car, when was the timing belt last changed. If you don't know, change it.

Jush · Post by **Jush** » 06 Sep 2013, 11:49

Thank you for the reply, although first off, I forgot to mention I'm going to try and re-solder the abs module myself, There are a few guides and I will meticulously follow them.

As far as SRS codes go it looks like I'm going to have to pay to get them pulled... and cleared will probably cost extra at that.

Timing belt and everything alike will also be changed, as the odometer broke and who knows how long some things have been neglected.

Post by **rmmagow** » 06 Sep 2013, 13:30

There is a way to pull miles off the internal computer. Search here, I think it is pretty easy. The odometer is pretty fixable too, again, here there are procedures and even pictures I think.
I too have a failed ABS computer but figure a life-time coverage for the repair makes it worth the send out. If you haven't taken it apart yet, give it some thought because most places that fix these won't fix one that's been opened then you're in junk yard mode.
You've got a great car there. This site is a real life and money saver. Good luck with it.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 06 Sep 2013, 14:31

Canadian car parts for Volvos are expensive, and so are the dealers. The ABS and TRKS are related and you are correct in assuming that the soldering is broken. If you attempt to fix it yourself, make sure you use the correct solder.

The SRS light indicates that the SRS is inoperable - no air bags, no auto seat belt tensioners. Only a dealer or a mechanic with a Volvo scan tool can read the SRS codes and reset the system. If, however, your car had been in an accident and any part of the SRS system was activated, the SRS module will need to be replaced along with a few sensors (lots of money). If you are nice to a dealer and plead ignorance and lack of funds, he might read/reset the SRS for free - it only takes a few minutes.

The Lambda light is for emissions related items. Any generic code reader can scan them. Some of the codes require a drive cycle to generate, so an erase will turn out the light and the light will come back on a few days/weeks later.

Jush · Post by **Jush** » 06 Sep 2013, 18:07

Thanks Klaus, I'm almost certain that it's you on Brickboard as well?

Anyhow, I guess I might take the safe route and order a re-furbished abs module... For the SRS light looks like I'm outta luck and at the mercy of the garage..

And as far as the Lambda light goes, if I erase the code and the light turns back on, does this mean possibly a serious issue? I have noticed that one of the plastic hoses has a hole in it.. I don't have a picture of it so here is the part on IPD, http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5889/112 ... oling-hose right where the flexing in the middle of the pipe is, the ridges are worn off and I could stick my finger inside it (if you can picture it). Could this be a vacuum leak causing the light?

-Josh

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Sep 2013, 18:13

The ECU cooling hose really isn't under any kind of pressure and it has nothing to do engine performance. If anything, it serves to provide a vent for the ECU that doesn't let a bunch of back water into the module cage.

I change them on mine but it is more of a vanity thing than being functional. I'm embarrassed when I open the hood and see that rotted out flex joint.

...Lee

Jush · Post by **Jush** » 06 Sep 2013, 18:16

Ok thanks! (but no thanks cause now it's not such an easy fix.. haha)

Another thing, How do I get the actual mileage off the ECU.. I've been seeing that only 92 - 95 (some 96's) are able to do this. Unless it's just the same on a 97?

I'll post all the codes and warnings I get as I move forward with the scans.

Thanks a lot
-Josh

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 06 Sep 2013, 18:23

I just used black electrical tape on the air supply line to the computers. It will not produce codes, that is just to keep the computer somewhat cooler than the engine bay.

I got lucky and found a Volvo mechanic who read my miles. There is a good explaination for a mechanic to navigate his scanner to get the actual miles. Don't bother until you have the new plastic gear in hand and are ready to replace it.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Sep 2013, 05:34

Electrical tape on the ECU hose should match the colour of the car, per Volvo technical bulletins 666. Failure to comply will result in warp core breach.

Read those codes and post back. A simple thing can generate a lot of codes, so don't freak.