I just moved to Texas where, like NJ, they used the OBD II for Pass/Fail.

I had a P0705 code [This is the "PRNDL" or "PNP" switch code] (didn't have it until they checked me), which failed me for registration. They said this would make my car shift improperly creating extra air pollution. Telling them the car shifts perfectly w/out the "up arrow" flashing got me no where, of course, because they did a saftey inspection drive test and the "inspector" commented my car was a beautifully driving 965 and it still failed.

They reset the code and I have to wait until all of the Drive Cycles cause each test "Readiness" area to show "Ready".

After 200 miles, all have reset to "Ready" except the "Secondary Air" ready light. The dealer says it should have reset by now, and it will cost over $2000 for a new computer and labor for diagnostics to install and test it. Naturally, I don't want to (and cannot afford/justify) such an expense.

Anyone know the criteria for the Secondary Air readiness to be complete? Texas is TOUGH in that even the air conditioning cannot have any faults and still pass the state vehicle inspection. No codes or readiness failures are allowed, regardless if they relate to emmissions or not.

Interestingly, a '96 is held to this high standard because of OBD II, but a '95 with OBD I will pass even if it smoking badly (I watched one pass). I suspect a lot of cars of '96 or newer vintage will be junked long before clapped out '95 and earlier cars are still on the road polluting.

Each re-test is $40 plus tax (since it took me more than 15 days to drive the 200 miles to date, which is the limit for a free re-test, so this could get expensive

Also, while most states have a limit of how much an owner has to spend to bring a vehicle into compliance, in Texas it is income based, so there is NO limit to how much I must spend (or get rid of the car for salvage).

Anyone? (Please)

BobbyC

Did the dealer ask you about how the 200 miles had been conducted? I believe the Pulsed Secondary Air test requires a trip of more than 20 miles where the O2 sensors are working without the extra heat from the system for many miles/minutes. Mine system was broken for a while but the fault didn't get set until I drove over to my son's houme about 20 miles away.

I your 200 miles hasn't included a good trip out on the freeway I would do one and them get the codes checked.

You can buy a reader for about $100 that will pay for itself in more two trips to get it read by someone else.

People have also reported that Pep Boys and other parts chains will read the codes for free.
--
'96 965, 16' wheels, Michelin Pilot Sports, rear 18mm bar + Koni, 201 HP cams, 129K. Put 200K on '85 745 TD.

Actually, I have an OBD II Code Reader (Eqquis 3100), and kept checking to see when I got all of the Readiness indicators showing "Ready," which is how I knew the Secondary Air hadn't gone Ready yet.

Several trips of the 200+ miles after the code reset WERE over 20 miles on Interstates, and on the first State test, the Secondary Air Readiness WAS "ready," so I know the computer is capable (or was as of last week) of showing "Ready" on this parameter.

I did a "Google" and located several California and US DOT/EPA document showing not all readiness tests must be complete for a "PASS." In addition, I found a documet showing that '96-'98 Volvos are known for being a challange to get completion of readiness tests.

The final verdict was that I took it back to the inspection center, and despite the technician being "sure" all Readiness indicators had to be complete, the computer issued a "PASS" with my one incomplete test after 30 minutes of re-testing the car (which seemed a bit over-the-top time wise considering only a transmission switch fault caused the "fail" days earlier.

Hopefully, before next year's test, I WILL have a "complete" on the Secondary Air Readiness and bypass all of this silliness.

Thanks to all who responded.

Bob

Thank you for the information!
--
'96 965, 16' wheels, Michelin Pilot Sports, rear 18mm bar + Koni, 201 HP cams, 129K. Put 200K on '85 745 TD.

I have read that there is a problem with certain models of Volvos and other cars whereby all the ready codes do not reset. I know for a fact it can apply to my 97 960. In North Carolina there is provision for the testing stations to waive this requirement if and when it is encountered. The dealer should know about this and share the info with you assuming they are ethical.

That is a ridiculous price, if you must pick up a used one. Stay away from the dealers and find a reputable independent shop that knows Volvos for your maintenance and repairs. My standing advice is to use the dealer for no cost warranty or recall issues only.

If you need a new computer you may want to look for a used one. I checked out car-part.com and found used computers for your car for $175 in Texas. I checked nation wide and prices are as high as $450 for the computer.
I would look at a used computer that comes with a 90 day or better warranty and see if it fixes the problem. The computer is located behind the front passenger side right kick panel.