Error codes

lapederson6 · Post by **lapederson6** » 22 Sep 2016, 14:09

I have a 1995 Volvo 850 that turns over but won't start. We have taken it to 2 different mechanics, we've trouble shot all recommended parts, and there is nothing mechanically wrong with the car. There was no check engine light, but we ran through all of the codes and here is where the trouble is. When we open up the diagnostic box, there are no metal receptors in ports A1, A5, B3, or B4. The error codes that show up under port A3 do not appear on the list of possible codes (2-1-3, 1-4-1, 1-4-2).

Second issue, what do we do with the error codes? Do they indicate parts that need to be replaced? Under A6, code 1-2-3 indicates "Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor from Control module missing or faulty". A7, codes 1-2-1 and 1-2-2 indicate "Temp sensor interval too short, too long".

Please help. This car has been sitting for 6 months because we can't find anybody to tell us what to fix!!

Post by **misha** » 22 Sep 2016, 15:45

It's normal that it won't start with bad ect sensor since ecu doesn't know how much fuel the engine needs.There is possibility that engine is flooded.
Do you have a spark,fuel pressure...is fuel pump running?

Ect sensor must be replaced for beginning.

Post by **tryingbe** » 22 Sep 2016, 17:11

What was its history before sitting?

Fuel, spark, compression, what have you tested and what were the results?

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 22 Sep 2016, 19:46

Shouldn't a '95 have OBD ll ?
Check for a port in the console compartment.

lapederson6 · Post by **lapederson6** » 26 Sep 2016, 22:46

Fuel pump runs, compression is fine, spark and fuel are fine. Mechanically everything checks out. And not only did we test everything, but we had two mechanics check it out and test everything. We are truly stumped.

What is the ect? Not sure what you were referring to.

lapederson6 · Post by **lapederson6** » 26 Sep 2016, 22:49

During the 6 months of it sitting, we have been trying to diagnose the issues, so we try and start it, tinker with it, etc. When it initially stopped working, it was running just fine, no strange noises, nothing out of the ordinary. We parked it in the driveway like normal and the next day it wouldn't start.

charleskennedy23 · Post by **charleskennedy23** » 27 Sep 2016, 03:43

ECT = Engine coolant temperature sensor. This sensor measures the temperature of the coolant so the computer will know what the engines operating temperature is. The car will not run well if it all if the sensor is bad. If your plan is to get the car running again, you will need to replace that sensor. Here is a thread with a DIY on replacing it with way more information than you would ever need on the ECT. It's a relatively easy job. If you're handy with tools you can probably do it in 15 to 30 minutes.

Good luck! I hope this works or at least get you started...

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=52203

lapederson6 · Post by **lapederson6** » 04 Oct 2016, 18:33

Charles Kennedy, we replaced the ECT and the thermostat and it still doesn't start. We are at our wits end. Is there some sort of mother board that would be bad? We've already reset the computer according to the recommendations on these boards. We are SO FRUSTRATED!!!!

Post by **abscate** » 04 Oct 2016, 18:41

Time for a two second shot of ether in the air horn and seeing if you get some fire. I bet you don't

lapederson6 · Post by **lapederson6** » 04 Oct 2016, 19:06

tryingbe wrote:What was its history before sitting?

Fuel, spark, compression, what have you tested and what were the results?

We have tested all components of the above listed systems. We've had mechanics check and nobody can find any faulty parts.

The history of the car is this. The vehicle ran fine until one random day when it wouldn't start. We've been trying to fix it ever since--which has been for the last 6 months.