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update on OBII sensor problem - emissions test failure V70-XC70 1998

I posted a message a couple of months ago and decided to start a new one since the problem still exists. My 98 V70 (with 108,000 miles) continues to fail emissions test because I can't get past a "monitors not ready" condition. We drove it several hundred miles and have tested it every month or so but it continues to fail. My independent shop said I have to take it to the dealer for this. I finally gave up and did it, and so far after $1700 I still can't pass the test. The big bill is for a new turbo, which they said was clogged up with oil and that was causing excess oil to escape into the system so that the monitors would never reset. They warned me O2 sensors might also be required, but maybe not. They did the turbo and kept the car for a couple of days doing repeated road tests; i.e drive cycle to reset the monitors. Of course, they concluded both O2 sensors needed replacing - about $500. I refused to let them do that so far, but I'm running out of options. My plan is to buy the Bosch sensors and have the independent shop do them. The Volvo dealer told me I should use Volvo sensors only or the check engine light would come on. Before I took it to the dealer I noticed that I was getting a blue puff of smoke at start-up and was burning excess oil - 2 or 3 quarts between changes at 6k miles. The dealer said these were signs of the bad turbo, but now that it still does the puff on start-up his story is "bad valve stem seals". He blames my problems on the previous owner not changing oil often enough, but I have service records which show all scheduled services done by a Volvo dealer (out of state). I bought the car with about 90k miles. Sorry for this long message - I guess I will conclude by asking (1) was I completely screwed on the turbo and (2) does anyone have any suggestions for what I should do now? Thanks!








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    update on OBII sensor problem - emissions test failure V70-XC70 1998

    I hate to tell you my tale regarding this. I have an '97 850 GLT sedan that is registered in Nashville, TN and they do emissions testing by the OBD system as well.

    It seems that if the battery is pulled for any reason - the computer will power down and the sensors as well. To reset the sensors and enable them to become functioning again for use in OBD testing requires a specific set of instructions. The instructions comprise a specific set of driving conditions/method, ie 20mph for 2min, 30mph for 5 min, idle for 3 minutes, ect.... Let the car cool completely and do it again.

    It seems that '97 & '98 Volvos have this problem and the dealer should be aware of it. This is the only way to reset the sensors to have them functioning again. Their computer cannot "make" the sensors reset - only by the method described above.

    You might want to search this board for the information.

    Best of Luck
    Andrew








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      update on OBII sensor problem - emissions test failure V70-XC70 1998

      Andrew,

      Thanks for the reply. I am in Franklin, TN, which of course is the same testing procedure as Nashville. The dealer said they did the drive cycle thing four times, and I have read about the procedure on the board. Something is not allowing the sensors to even reach the state where they can reset, which is why I bought the bad turbo diagnosis suggested by the dealer. At this point I just hope the turbo really needed replacing, because I hate to be taken advantage of by a dealer.

      Thanks again,
      Mark








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        update on OBII sensor problem - emissions test failure V70-XC70 1998

        Are you going to Music City Volvo or Darrell Waltrip?? If it is Waltrip - I trust Will Allen (service advisor) without question. He is by far the most appropriate/helpful advisor I've ever run across.

        This past week I returned to have the car registered and again found the sensors "not ready to be read". But the inspection station (Berry Hill Area) tested it the old fashioned way and I passed without problem.

        Best of Luck
        Andrew








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          update on OBII sensor problem - emissions test failure V70-XC70 1998

          You make me feel better, because it was indeed Will Allen at Waltrip. He certainly seems like a straight shooter.

          The old-fashioned test is intriguing - did you request it? My wife drives the V70, and she has been using the Cool Springs test center. They have never offered to test another way, they just reject it due to "sensors not ready" and give her the $10 back. If I can get them to test with the exhaust probe thing it will probably pass. Great suggestion!

          Mark







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