Hello-
Just got my wife's 1998 V70 AWD back from the shop and was told I have to have the Charcoal Canister replaced. I am in the middle of a PCS (That means the Army's moving us again) and would LOVE to save some of the $560 the dealer wants to charge for this, thus my questions:
1. What exactly is the charcoal canister and where is it?
2. Despite my question #1, I am pretty capable under the hood- is this something I can do myself? I have limited bay space and tools this year, and no welding capababilities.
If possible, does anyone have a reference to an idiot's guide to charcoal canister replacement?

Thanks again- Love this board!

Tom

Generally the charcoal cannister only gets replaced if you have whacked something on the road. There is a evap valve that generally goes bad and this is what is causing the ck engine light. The type of valve is determined by your engine code when you look up the charcoal cannister on the VADIS parts catalog, most of the engine codes I have seen are 3 and 4.

Why?

What is wrong with the canister?

They don't go bad.

Ah- Perhaps I am asking the wrong question, then...

If the Volvo dealer (about 75% trustworthy) says my check engine light is a result of a charcoal canister that has deteriorated and is "clogging up the system," does that mean anything?

The only symptom I noticed was the "check engine" light... nothing else. I take it, then, that I may NOT have to fork over $545 for this repair right now?

Thanks again

rarely the canister needs replacing.

Usually the hoses that connect to the canister are loose or broken and that's a quick fix.

Get yourself a Haynes manual for the 850. It has lots of pictures and common repair procedures on the FWD/AWD volvos. The '98 V70 basically has the same engine and components as the '97 850.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

Charcoal filter absorbs fuel odors when you fill your tank. They do need to be replaced occasionally. I understand that if you frequently top off your fuel tank after the fuel nozzle has clicked off that you can shorten the filter life. Get the Haynes manual for the V70 (available from IPD or Haynes UK) ISBN 1 85960 573 7. Page 4B-5 shows pictures of the canister and says that it is located under the left-hand wheel arch at the front. Also check Bay 13. Doesn't look that difficult to replace but the canister has a vacuum valve on it and the valve and canister are built together so maybe the part is expensive.