V70 Check Engine = Faulty Light or Emissions Problem?

KYBlueV70 · Post by **KYBlueV70** » 28 May 2006, 08:53

The orange "Check Engine" light came on after an 800 mile trip last weekend. I'm a little suspect because the bulb fault light also went on and off during the trip. I'm wondering if this is a short in my dash lights or a true indication that something is wrong in the engine.

Also, the owner's manual states that the light indicates a potential problem with the emissions. I've tightened the gas cap - that's not the problem. Car seems to be running fine...should I take it in to the dealer to have it checked out?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 28 May 2006, 09:42

Dealer will probably reel you in and charge you a ridiculous price for something cheap. Go to autozone and have them read the code for free.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 May 2006, 10:24

Don't make any long trips again until you figure this thing out.

volvo rider · Post by **volvo rider** » 28 May 2006, 17:05

I have the same issue with my 1998 V70 T5 Turbo. I just did my 100,000 mile service two weeks ago and now the "check engine" light is back on. wtf?

Do you think it could be the mass airflow sensor that's between the filter and the intake as the problem? because I can't find it.

I have a brand new diehard battery and all my fluids are topped off.

I truly beleive the dealership mechanics are amatuers and just want to rip people off. If anybody here can recommend a good volvo mechanic in Austin, TX, I'd appreciate it.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 28 May 2006, 18:12

White850Turbo wrote:Dealer will probably reel you in and charge you a ridiculous price for something cheap. Go to autozone and have them read the code for free.

White850Turbo had the correct answer. Hoping it will go off or it is a faulty light that doesn't mean much may cost you more if you don't get it fixed.

Cheers,
T

KYBlueV70 · Post by **KYBlueV70** » 28 May 2006, 20:51

Thanks for the advice. I'll get it checked out at the local Autozone. Better to be safe than sorry...

volvo rider · Post by **volvo rider** » 28 May 2006, 21:28

what code are you talking about?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 May 2006, 21:49

Diagnostic fault codes through the OBD-II port. On 850's it's under the coin holder. On S70's it's inside the lift-up arm rest.

volvo rider · Post by **volvo rider** » 04 Jun 2006, 20:53

I'll preface this topic with this:

I recently had my 100,000 service on my 1998 V70 T5 Turbo wagon, and not even 2 weeks later the "check engine" light comes on.

I was told by a friend that foreign cars run their best when the catalytic converter is serviced and cleaned out after so many miles. His ES300 Lexus died on him in traffic and he thought his tranny had went out, but the service guy told him that his catalytic converter was clogged and had never been cleaned or repelaced..causing the car to stall when it got too hot.

then, I was also told by an O'reilly car parts tech that the "check engine" will mainly come on when the Mass aif flow sensor is bad or there is an air leak somewhere. It's the most common thing to cause the light to come on.

Today, I did a diagnostic check for free at the autozone on my 1998 V70 T5 Turbo wagon and it came back that everything was fine but I have a large emissions leak. the autozone tech told that me that if the Mass Airlfow sensor was bad his diagnostic tool would have told him that by the code it displayed, but the sensor did not show up as bad.. and that I need to check all of my airduct hoses to see if their is a leak and fix it. well, I took the car home and put it up on ramps and begin to search. I couldn't find a damamged hose air/fluid anywhere. the undercarraige was dry as a bone. Then I remembered what my friend said about the catalytic converter and that's my next move, to get it cleaned out.

Does anybody think this is true or not?

I'm running out of options and sick of the "check engine" light being on.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jun 2006, 21:03

Never heard of "getting the CAT cleaned out" Best things for these Volvo's seems to just get it out on the highway and run it hot for 30 minutes or so....burn the stuff out. Another issue is not tightening the gas cap tight enough...it can throw a code as if their is an air leak. If the MAF goes you'd know it...your car would buck, sputter and not idle properly and smell like rotten eggs.

Did you check out all of the small vacuum hoses (including the elbows). These are prone to leaks and can cause the same issue....the main two that leak are on each side of the intake manifold. If in doubt you can spray carb cleaner onto them with the car running and if there is a leak the engine will surge for a few seconds.