In a previous post, I mentionned that my 1997 855 GLT failed emission testing last week.

The reason is that here in Atlanta GA since MAY 2002, there is a new procedure for testing for emission. Also, VOLVO cars (1996 to 1998) are problematic for that new test. As I understand, this new emission test procedure is getting implemented in many more state at this time.

In this new procedure, the test station connect to the car ECU to a OBD scanner. It used the car own ECU to see if all the emission control devices on the car are operating properly. This is different from the previous procedure where the car was put on a dynanometer and samples of the gas at the tailpipe where analyzed.

The problem with the Volvo car is the "OBD READINESS" code. In the Volvo cars affected, the drive cycle is so complex that it is likely that the flag is not set. This code tell to the emission test station that all the emission control devices have been all properly checked. If the "OBD READINESS" flag is not set, the test station cannot concluded that the car pass or fail. It status is undetermined, you failed the test. You needs to either drive your car more or visit your dealer to solved it. After this, you have to come back for a retest.

I called the dealer to get the drive cycle procedure. They told me that it is so complex that it is unlikely that I can drive the car and that in one week it will be ready for testing. After reviewing the procedure, I concluded the same. It is an elaborate procedure that needs to be repeated twice. This procedure must be done with the A/C OFF. This means a lot of sweating driving the car trying to go thru this procedure (see the checklist, it is ridiculous). Here in Atlanta, it is in the mid 90F at this time of the year.

The dealer did the procedure for free even if the car is out of warranty. The procedure took two days to complete. There was no problem found with the car. On the invoice, I saw that they charged $250 to VCNA for labor. I was billed $10 for the gas (for the two days of driving they did in my car).

The problem with the Volvo cars is that if you removed the power to the ECU, the two trip cycle needs to be redone again before the "OBD READINESS" flag is set. Also, the drive cycle is so complex that it is likely that the flag is not set. In my situation, I replaced the battery before the emission test. After one week of driving, the flag was still not set.

This affect Volvo cars from 1996 to 1998. I included in the link below the Volvo service bulletin. It is a multi-page TIFF. It can be read using Microsoft Windows Imaging that is found in Accessories.

I suspect that we will see a recall later for that problem (flash new ECU software?). I do not want to drop my car for two days at the dealer every year in order to pass emission nor that VCNA want to continue paying for that problem.

Here is the link where you can download the TIFF file:
http://www.geocities.com/leo_montreuil/Volvo/