I have a 95 850 Turbo. I reset the "service" light using the procedure at http://www.volvospeed.com/CheckEngine.php and the service light does indeed go out out--for a minute--and then starts flashing again. Anybody know the fix?

William,
Did you read all the information in the link you provide? Problem is that you are confusing the "check engine light" or CEL with the service reminder light. If a CEL is on that means some type of trouble with ignition, engine functioning or transmission. The procedure for turning off a "service light" is different and you need to get your codes read to see what the problem is that continues to turn your CEL back on. Pepboys or Autozone will do this for you free. Once you are told the codes, post them back here and we'll help you. It may be something very minor or it could be serious. How is the car driving by the way?
Regards,
MIJ
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

Sorry, the initial information I provided was incorrect as I had referenced the wrong website. I had reset the SERVICE (not check engine) light per instructions at http://www.volvospeed.com/850slight.php and the SERVICE light does go off for a minute then starts flashing again. I was under the impression that the SERVICE light would not activate based on a check engine code but only a some set time interval to remind the owner to perform service--am I mistaken--can a check engine code activate the SERVICE light?

I have only had this car for a week and the CHECK ENGINE light appears not to operate as it does not light when the ignition key is placed in position II nor does it come at any other time (bulb dead or did previous owner disable??). Even though the CHECK ENGINE light does not operate, when I check for check engine codes through socket A2, per the procedure at http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/computercodesvolvo.html#instructions it produces codes: 435 Front heated oxygen sensor - slow response and 443 Catalytic converter efficiency. Even though I follow the procedure at the above link, I can't clear any of the CHECK ENGINE codes.

While I don't know if this is a proper procedure, I checked for codes from the other A sockets with the following results:

From socket A1, codes 232 long term fuel mixture too lean or rich at idle and code 313 EVAP valve signal absent/faulty (on certain engines) are present

From socket A3, code 214 Ignition rpm sensor signal intermittently absent code is present

From socket A7, code 123 Coolant temperature sensor signal absent or faulty and 122 and 123 Air Temperature sensor signal absent or faulty are produced.

When I first got the car a few days ago, it was doing a slight overheat where the gage would be at the 3/4 mark but not to the redline; I replaced the thermostat and that problem went away.

To add to the confusion, the car seems to run very well.

THANKS for any help.

Bill

The service light is not supposed to blink, just turn on. Don't have the car running when you try to clear the codes. Remember that you need to go through all of the codes in a socket, before you try to clear any of them.
The evap code is common and will require a new part. The temp sensors probably need to be replaced. The front O2 sensor probably needs to be replaced as well.
If you decide to look for a burned out/removed CEL, replace all of the bulbs and take out the service bulb! Or put the service bulb into the CEL slot. If the CEL bulb has been removed by the previous owner, let the world know who he is so no one else will buy a car from him.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

>The service light is not supposed to blink, just turn on.

Hmmm, well, mine blinks. Perhaps a "problem" with the electronic control unit ?

> Don't have the car running when you try to clear the codes. Remember that you need to go through all of the codes in a socket, before you try to clear any of them.<

I had the ignition in position II--car not running. I have since got the codes to clear and will check in a few days to see which codes reappear.

>The evap code is common and will require a new part. The temp sensors probably need to be replaced. The front O2 sensor probably needs to be replaced as well.<

Assuming these codes reappear, are these relatively easy fixes or should I be making a dealer appointment?

>If you decide to look for a burned out/removed CEL, replace all of the bulbs and take out the service bulb! Or put the service bulb into the CEL slot. If the CEL bulb has been removed by the previous owner, let the world know who he is so no one else will buy a car from him.<

Does the idiot light panel come out relatively easily or is that a major job?

Thanks,

Bill

This is another fixit site:

http://www.volvospeed.com/maintence.htm

That is a first for me, a service light is supposed to come on for 2 minutes after starting the car and then go out. Never blink.
Most items are fixit yourself, if you are a little bit handy. The O2 sensors are expensive, as is the vacuum cannister valve (there is a new updated model from the dealer). Dealers in the Twin Cities charge $110+ for labor. Some dealerships give 10% discounts on parts for VCOA members.
The instrument panel comes out fairly easy, if the temperature is warm. Be sure to cover the panel with a cloth when extracting to eliminate scratches.

If a code doesn't come back, don't worry about it.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Thanks Klaus.

Bill

Doesn't it go out on it's own after a few miles?

The light does not go off after a few miles. Instead, if I reset the light, it will go off and if I start the car without turning the key off it will stay off for a minute or so then goes back on. If I reset it and turn the key off before starting, it will be immediately back on again as soon as I turn the key back on and remain on after I start the car. A small drill right through the light might work. ;-)

Hey Bill...I recall from my 850 owner experience that to correctly reset the service light, the pushing of the buttons had to be done really really fast. I did some practicing (almost a rythmic pushing of the button in tandem with the light) each time before the actual reset procedure and then when it was time for the "real thing," pushed the buttons within a split second of the blinking lights. If I didn't do this fast enough the SRI light would come back on. I hope this helps. I posted this because I recall being really frustrated the first time I reset my SRI...it wouldn't go off and I had to repeat the procedure several times. From reading what's happening with you, my thoughts returned to the time I had an 850 and went through the re-set procedure but couldn't get the light off.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon