Diagnostic Codes: 1980s-1995 Volvos

This page is for 1980s-1995 Volvos, cars that do not have OBD-II. The table below shows you what the code you retrieve from the module under the hood means. This is how to read those code(s).

This page also explains how to get the code(s), but it covers rear-wheel drive Volvos like the 740, 760, 940, 960 and 240.

Just in case your Volvo is more (or less) codes capable than it’s supposed to be, here’s an explanation of the differing OBD standards across the 1990s Volvos.

The Changing OBD Capabilities

We in the 850 family who have (some) 1995, and all 1996-1997 model years have it easy. Check Engine light comes on? We just plug in our code readers and a magical system called OBD-II tells us what code(s) are causing the CE light. Same with 1998 model year Volvos, like S70, V70 and XC70 models. Then after that, codes expanded from the OBD-II to include Volvo-specific codes that OBD-II readers cannot retrieve, although many overlap in meaning.

Read Codes on a 1995-1998 Volvo

Diagnostic codes for 1995-1998 Volvos are here. Wait… 1995 is listed in both categories! That’s right. It was an overlap year where you can find OBD-I or OBD-II or both. Many Volvos have both. Sometimes the OBD-II port will be present in front of the coin tray, but will not be functional. If it’s there, however, the chances are good it’ll be active. Just hook up a code reader to it and see if you get anything.

Read Codes on a 1999+ Volvo?

Guess what? OBD-II readers will read the OBD-II codes these cars set. The OBD-II port is physically the same. I used my reader on my ex’s 2004 V70R — lower driver’s side interior, near your left knee — and it correctly reported OBD-II codes. Here is the specific 1999+ Volvo DTC code page for “the rest of the story”.

How to Read Codes

To start, the Ignition key must be in position II, engine not running. Open the hood. Locate the two diagnostic sockets just inboard of the washer fill cap. The “A” connector (shown above) has a jumper that is stored in the lid of the “A” diagnostic connector. The jumper is used for both diagnostic connectors.

960 SRS Diagnostics and Testing – that has a good explanation of how to read codes on RWD Volvos.

What Codes You Can Get

Listed below is the information retrievable from the various connections.

• A1 Transmission
• B1 Climate Control
• A2 Fuel System
• B2 Cruise Control
• A3 ABS
• B5 SRS
• A5 TCU (Transmission Control)
• B6 Power Seat
• A6 Ignition System
• A7 Combined Instrument

How to Use the Jumpers

Normally “Check Engine Light” information will be found in A2. Put the jumper into A2 and push the black button for one second. Count the red LED light as it blinks back information, blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, is an example of the response you would receive. 2-3-2 would be the code retrieved, now push the button again for one second, again count the blinks, keep checking for codes until one of them repeats, this means you have read all the codes.

Clearing Codes on your 850

Now to clear the codes, push and hold the button for 6-7 seconds, release and as soon as the LED comes on push and hold the button for another 6-7 seconds. Now push the button for one second and read the codes again, you should get 1-1-1 (no faults).

You Must Read All Codes before Clearing

Turn the ignition off and then start the car, the check engine light should be out. It is always a good idea to check for codes, clear them and then drive the vehicle to see if they return before replacing parts. The transmission can ask the check engine light to be turned on, so if you try clearing A2 codes and they wont go away try reading the transmission (A1), clear them , and then go back to A2.