1998 Volvo S70 Check Engine Light Topic is solved

green mountain · Post by **green mountain** » 13 Sep 2003, 16:20

I have a 1998 Volvo S70 GT that has had its CHECK ENGINE light come on 4 times in the past 5 months. The problem has always been a "gross evaporative leak" from the fuel system (per the fault codes pulled at the dealership and elsewhere). The dealer has replaced the fuel cap (and charged me for it), but otherwise insists the problem is not tightening the fuel cap. I HAVE been tightening the cap (its really not rocket scienc)-- it just pops off when tested moments later. Is there any other recourse to be taken with the dealership that others have found to work? The vehicle is under warranty, but the nuisance of this problem is making me sick. This is the fifth generation Volvo in my family, but my trouble with the car makes me want to head for the Honda store at times.

Post by **matthew1** » 13 Sep 2003, 22:08

You're saying you've got a new cap, and when you tighten it (should be three clicks to make sure it's tight), it's still not tight?

It sounds like there's a problem with the seal between cap/fuel pipe. Is the metal fuel pipe damaged?

green mountain · Post by **green mountain** » 14 Sep 2003, 17:30

Thanks, Matthew. I don't think the fuel pipe is damaged, but the cap is really picky about how it fits, and after driving a little while, it is loosened. I may or may not wait a few days for it to go off before contacting the dealer.

green mountain · Post by **green mountain** » 26 Sep 2003, 10:35

For those of you with a check engine light on your S70's or V70's that comes on due to a finicky or improperly tightened gas cap, there is a quick fix:

Provided you know the anti-theft code for your radio, you can temporarily (for 5 seconds) disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. The light will be cleared when the battery is reconnected and the car turned back on-- IF the problem is indeed only the gas cap.

A couple of caveats:
1.) The code will remain in the computer for 60-70 cycles (a long countdown phase to ensure the problem doesn't reoccur). The light will come back on if the gas cap is again loose or if the problem is elsewhere in the car.

2.) The clock will need to be reset.

3.) The radio's pre-set stations will be erased and the unit will be semi-locked (the display will read "CODE") until the proper anti-theft code is entered (supplied with your manuals and other vehicle information). If you don't have the code or enter it incorrectly 3 times (any three times), the radio will be locked out (the display will read "EEEE" and then "OFF") until the car has been running (key in at least the "I" position) for at least 2 hours. Then, you can try the code again.

After about a week of heavy driving and another refill of the gas tank, the light has not come back on for me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Dec 2003, 12:18

Battery trick is a good fix. I'll have to try that, if it happens to me again.

As for the original question, it sounds like you are saying that the cap actually comes loose. If that's the case, I'd bring it back and have the dealership replace the cap and check the fitting.

If it came on for one error, which doesn't repeat and you are patient enough or Lazy enough (this is how i figured it out

) The light will turn off by it's self in three months or so. However, the "clock" restarts any time the computer gets the message that the cap is not sealing correctly.

Also, be sure to follow Volvo's advice and shut the car off. It worked for me

tpiper · Post by **tpiper** » 18 Dec 2003, 01:54

I recently purchased an s70 and when I first filled the car with gas the check engine light came on. From reading the postings on this website I was able to understand what happened. When I stopped in front of the pump I turned the car off and popped the latch of the gas door. The service attendant came around to the passengers side and tapped on the window to get my request. I had to lower the power window so that I could speak with him. To do that I had to turn the ignition switch to ACC so that I could operate the window. I never actually started the car but that wasn't necessary since turning the switch to ACC caused the fuel pump to turn on too. That was all that was needed to create the fault situation that so many people refer to when you gas up without shutting the car off. Next time I will make sure to not to touch the ignition switch when the gas cap is off, even if it is just to the ACC position. The fix was simple. I simply disconnected the negative battery terminal to reset the computer and the engine check light went out.[/b]

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Dec 2003, 22:20

Interesting account, tpiper. Thanks for sharing.

Volvo98T5 · Post by **Volvo98T5** » 23 Jun 2007, 20:50

I have that check engine light as well for the pass two weeks. I've had the car at the dealer a month ago. However, I really don't want to go back if it will be really expensive.

Any other solutions you all have will be great ...

My question ?

Are there numerous codes for the check engine light ?

I disconnected the negative terminal on the battery, as "green montain" for 3 minutes (do I need to do it longer then 3 minutes?). The check engine light went out. However, during the ride about an hour later the light reappeared. Prior to me disconneting the terminal, I took the gas cap completely off the tank and reseated the cap firmly ( three clicks ). So now, I'm wondering if I need to fill-up and seat the cap firmly again before I take it to the dealer.

I'm thinking of disconnecting both terminals for about 15 minutes to see what happens.

What do you all think ?

Trilarry · Post by **Trilarry** » 23 Jun 2007, 21:20

Take the Car to AutoZone or any Chain Autopart Store and Have them read the codes. Since the light came back it's indicating that there is indeed a problem. And yes there are many codes. write them down after Autozone reads them out to you and post them here.
Tri

Post by **JRL** » 23 Jun 2007, 21:48

This is sort of rediculous.
If you have PROPERLY tightened the cap (3 clicks) I've NEVER seen one "come off", it's almost impossible.
"Gross leak" is usually part of the evap system not the fuel cap.
Fuel cap is "small leak"