Hi,

My 1994 960 auto is idling rough, frequently stalling actually. I've had a look through the existing excellent posts; and after a few days trying various things I'm frankly stuck. Help please!
I have tried lightly pressuring the inlet system/ carb cleaner etc, to look for leaks; it seems sound. So I don't think the inlet gasket has failed (pressure test plus carb cleaner). Actually, I can't find a leakage problem at all.
The car is showing a 2-2-3 (idle valve fault), plus the lambda light, so I have tried a replacement idle valve from a breaker, both idle valves result in a 2-2-3 (I have cleared the codes several times), but both appear to operate. I also got a single instance of 1-2-1 (MAF) also the ABS light temporarily showing - which I guess might have been rogue readings?, but did make me wonder about the ECU... Checked the connections to the ECU (all looks like its all just left the factory); plus the earths for the engine block and inlet manifold, also the loom condition and the lambda plug-socket was correctly fitted, they all look fine too. All the coil packs/ wiring appear to be ok, too - don't think that's part of this issue - the car goes once you get her moving - but is hesitant at 50 mph.
Other factors - the car has just been fitted with a new (Volvo) cat exhaust section and correct (Bosch 4 wire) oxygen sensor, but due to a delay in Volvo supplying the correct parts, the battery had time to completely flat itself thanks to a faulty boot light. So I guess the adaptive part of the ECU is 'tabla rasa', but surely the default would run the idling fine?
Here's the stuff that I know that I don't know what to make of - first, there's oil in the base of the inlet manifold, plus a fair amount around the butterfly and the flame trap is mucky. We've cleaned all that. There is no pressure at the oil filler cap, not any suction either though...
When we test the idle valve that was on the car when the lambda and rough idle first appeared, using stage 3 of the diagnostics, it flutters wildly - so I guess that's showing a problem, but the whole diagnostic cycle works itself through (the rad fan at half and full speed, etc). The test applied to the other idle valve produces nothing - not even the rad fan.... Both idle valves will operate on turning on the igntion as normal. So coudl I have two rogue idle valves or is the ECU playing me up (or both?!).
I'm inclined to go for a new idle valve, and if that doesn't solve it a replacement ECU (one from a breaker first)... or does this picture mean more to any of you folk out there, please?

Any help appreciated, thanks.

Cheers,

John
Scotland