First time poster here so if I'm asking questions that every newb asks, just point me in the right direction.

Anyway... I found a nice little 1992 240 for sale. It has 137K on it so I figured it has plenty of life left. I'm going to go in for the emissions test tomorrow and wanted to make sure it passes so I changed the plugs, oil and filter and air filter (just found out that it's the seller's job to do the test... but its too late now). Is there anything else I could do to help it pass (it doesn't smoke or anything, so I might not have anything to worry about, but I'm used to owning newer cars so...)

Second question: The check engine light is on. What usually causes this? Is it something that may effect the emissions test?

Third (and last) question: How often do the timing belts need changed in these things? Are they known to fail alot? I know I have had my share of VWs and Audi's and it's a BIG thing to get it changed at specific intervals. I guess my question is should I get it changed right away or not worry about it so much?


thanks in advance...

 

1.The plugs and all that is a good start but if the check engine light is on you have something going on.

2. You need to check the codes on the code reader. There is a little black box on the driver side fender well that will give yyou fault codes. Do a post search on the trouble codes and you will get the info on how to do it and what the mean.

3. Don't even attempt to go through emmisions with the check engine light on, it will fail!!!

4. Timiing belt depending on if it has ever been changed. If it as not go ahead and do it. If it has in the last 40,000 miles dont worry about it.

Thats my 2 cents.......Hope it helps

 

Thanks.

I went thru emissions and they failed me... but get this... they said my O2 sensor was missing! So I went to a local Volvo repair shop and they confirmed that the sensor was not missing, checked my codes and re-set my check engine light (for free mind you). I went back to the same emission tech (wanna be mechanics) and had to show him where the sensor was, he tried to tell me that this model needed two O2 sensors. Then I started to get pissed and told him that I just went to a Volvo shop and they said this model just had one. He gave up his useless power-trip and let me thru. Geeze... some people are just ignorant!

So it passed and I got my tags... good to go.

And, the codes were for something about fuel (I forget exactly), but I figure I'll change the fuel filter soon enough.

 

Bring the engine in hot! I have been assured by a couple of smog places that it is important for you to bring the car in after having driven it for about 15 minutes. Run it up and down the expressway a couple of times and drive it right into the bay for the test if at all possible.