i have a 96 volvo 850. It has been working for a charm, until I ran out of gas. After I ran out, I put more in, and the "Check engine" light was on. Then it went off after a day. The next day, I made a 2 hr drive. Then, my car sat for a day or two, and the light was back on. It was also very low on gas at this point, but not out. I noticed that there was blackish grayish smoke coming out, but my friend said that's because you are burning the stuff that settled at the bottom of your gas tank (not sure if this is true.) So, we put in more gas, and it was smokey for about a minute then it was clean again. But the light continued to be on. Then, this happened twice, both times I was on a hill: The gauge will go from 1/6th tank of gas to empty, and my car will sound like its out of gas and cut off. After a restart, it'll work fine again. But right before it cuts off, it is smokey. Can someone guide me? thanks!!!

Guidance - Don't let your gas tank get so low!

Running out of gas can cost you hundreds of dollars in towing, plugs, filters, fuel pumps, Oxygen sensors, accidents, etc.

Generally, it is not a good idea to let your car go below a 1/4th of a tank. Except on a trip, I never let my cars go below 1/2 of a tank. (My wife sometimes has different ideas!)
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 435,000 miles put on 9 bricks

It is time to put some gasoline in your tank! 2 gallons will not cut it! It is also time to replace the gas filter, it is probably full of crud that was floating on top and is now in your filter and injectors.

The fuel pickup is at the bottom of the tank and is not picking up settled crud, but when you are on a hill, there will not be enough gas to cover the fuel pickup and you will draw in air/fumes causing your engine to stall.

The CEL is probably on because of a misfire or 5. Go to an auto parts store after you get at least 1/2 tank at a good gas station, and get the codes read and cleared. Write down the codes, in case there is a real problem.

The black smoke is from an over-rich condition which could be dirty plugs or injectors.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)