Well, today was wrench on the volvo day. Made some things better but a couple things are worse. I previously (last month) had a problem with hot starts. I determined that it was the radio suppression relay, and so far so good. With 168k on the clock, I also changed plugs, wires, coil, distibutor and rotor caps. A new crank position sensor is on order too.
Last winter the idle sometimes would rise and fall. When its warmer out, it's pretty smooth. Just for good measure, today I thought I would clean that pesky idle control valve I have heard so much about. My car is the rex/regina model. After reading the faqs I still couldn't get my IAC apart. I gave up and shot some cleaner in there. It was gummed up from what I could see, but don't know how bad. Put everything back together and started her up. It was terrible to say the least! The idle was so low it wouldn't run. I adjusted it up some but it was really hunting now!! It seems to load up with fuel and blue smoke was coming out the exhaust, which is not normal. I checked the codes, got 1-1-1. Put the tester in socket 6 to test for throttle position sensor and never got code 3-3-4 which if I read correctly from the Haynes book means if the LED light flashes and no code, the TPS is at fault. The RPM (crank pos.) looks ok, TPS in full load position, engine idle speed compensation for auto transmission are ok as I got the proper codes when checking for their operation.
My question is how does the throttle position sensor affect everything? Was it bad before I messed with the idle valve? How can I tell if the idle valve is ok? I plan on getting a throttle body gasket and cleaning it up. And looks like I'll need a throttle sensor too. I hope the idle valve is ok, they look pricey! Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated!