So for the most part I think that I understand all the different parts of engine management in most cars, especially our beloved Volvos. But there is one thing I just have no clue what it does. Here's a picture:


It's the electrical connector thing on the PCV nipple. This is on and S60 R, but I noticed that LH 2.4 240's have them too. I assume that most newer Volvo's have them. I just have no clue what it does. What would you need an sensor on the PCV for? What happens if I get rid of it?

 

I think it senses intake temperature. On the 850 turbo's it's called the PTC.

 

its actually a heater element and I think its there so gunk doesn't clog the vent hole. I have it on my 1992 740 turbo wagon...



(its on the intake air pipe which is under the top air pipe which is the compressed air from the turbo going to the intercooler)

 

It sounds like I can get rid of it. It's not in the EFI wiring diagrams so I don't think it will throw any codes if unplugged. My 740 with LH 2.2 has no problem with gunk there, so I don't see that it's necessary. Thanks for the replies.

 

ya know, it might be to prevent icing of that port in gnarly subzero weather. I dunno. its on the EFI page for my 1992 B230FT, as the 'PTC-Resistor, air pre-heat'. its powered via the main fuel injection relay (not the fuel pump relay), so basically its on when the key is on, same as the ECU and so forth.

 

Well, I hope it's done similarly in a 2004 S60R. I'm going to eliminate it. I'm surprised how little information I can find on it. I couldn't find anything on simply eliminating it. Thanks Pierce.