Hi I just got a 1996 Volvo glt sedan about 4 months ago. When I got it the abs light and service light, and the tracs off light, which won’t turn on at all, the tracs. Dealer said it was nothing, blah blah blah. Any way it all started when I got stuck in the snow, it was allot of go back 3 feet move forward 4 feet, and this lasted about 25 minutes until I got unstuck. I continued driving up to timberline, and about half way up the check engine light came on. I didn’t think much of it, it happened before, but turned itself off before I could get it diagnosed. Well this time it stayed on, and I end up getting stuck again, not my fault this time. But the front loader (plow) helped me out hooked up a chain and gave me a tow. Right at the end of the tow the chain slackened and jerked it pretty good. I got off work and it started right up, sounding a little funny but not anything bad, check engine light still on. I go down the hill about 20 miles, get home no problems. The next morning I go out to start it, and when I turn it on it sounds freaking horrible, the best I could explain it is if you tried filling your gas tank with half water and half gas, I would expect it to run the same. It did about 5 deep sounding chugs then I turned it off because I didn’t want to hurt it more than it was. The first thing I did was put some gas dryer in there hoping it was just water in the gas tank. I tried to start it again and it wouldn’t turn over, it would just kind of grind by the sounds of it. What could possible cause this? When I got that tow the chain went right across a cylindrical filter type thing, which looks just like an oil filter but longer, maybe transmission filter? It has tubes running up to the belt system, I can move it around in all directions, could this be the problem? I know it could be any number of things, but since I can’t move it I can’t get the computer diagnostic yet. I know it could be a thousand different things but any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
It is a 1996 Volvo glt has about 2000000 miles just done an oil change. It is an automatic and has 3/4 a tank of gas.

 

first step is to read the codes to find out what the check engine light means. Since you cannot start the car you cannot drive it to an auto parts store (auto Zone) and have them read it for you, so you will need to buy an OBD II scanner or borrow one.

The cylindrical filter you mention sounds like the receiver/drier for the Air Conditioning system.

 

ok is there any type of OBD II scanner i should get, or are they all going to be compatable? any kind that is good but cheap? thanks alot for the help it is greatly appreciated.

 

You should be able to find a decent one at any auto parts store. As long as it reads OBDII codes it should be compatable. I picked one up for under $100 at AutoZone, but I have seen them at Wal-Mart from time to time too.

 

can it hurt my car to try and start it? could it be the timing belts? thanks alot for all your help

 

When did you last change the belt? You can try to start it but be ready to shut it right off if things sound really bad. If it is the timing belt that broke, the damage is already done

 

I honestly have no idea how long it has been, i bought it about 5 months ago, i know nothing of its past... i got an obdII reader, and it came up with an error "P0410" the book it came with said it is "A secondary air intake malfunction" could this be my problem? and what can i do to start narrowing down the problem/s

 

ok so how can i go about getting problem "p0410" cleared and fixed? and what can i do to start getting my car running again. i need it for work... where are my spark plugs? are they underneath that cover of the head? please any thing and everything is appreciated. where is "secondary air intake" located? how can i get to my timing belts to check? how can i check fuel pump or fuel related problems? what all could be wrong with it? anything please???

 

Hey now,

You're asking alot of questions about alot of things.

Have you read the owners manual? Are you willing to get a Haynes or Chilton repair manual and learn more about your car?

If so, then there are so many things that you can do yourself.

Start with the owners manual then the haynes/chiltons and search the forum topics and you'll find everything you need.

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

+1

 

I have a bad feeling that the timing belt might have gone south. To check for the belt, look at the engine bay, and on the left-end of the engine you'll see a black plastic cover with engine ID numbers. The cover is held in place by one 12mm bolt, so remove this bolt and then wiggle the cover upward. If the belt is still in once piece, you're lucky and make sure to have the belt + idler pulley + tensioner pulley + hydraulic tensioner replaced. Ifyou see coolant seepage from the water pump, replace that as well (but Volvo water pumps seem bullet-proof).

Cheap scanners are limited in their functions, you would need to spend $160+ for a decent scanner. My favourite model is Actron CP9175, but this was about 2 years ago so they may have something better. Stay away from cheapo.

http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=249

Spark plugs are under the plastic cover that says "Volvo 20 Valves" etc... You need a Torx bit to remove the Torx screws. If you've never performed spark plug replacement, have it done at a reputable shop, preferably by an ASE-certified Master Technician. I wouldn't use franchise or average town garages to service Volvos.

I am not familiar with the Secondary Air Supply system, as my '94 T5 didn't have it.

See attached for possible causes. Try them + others advice, and if none of them helps, come back again.

If the problemturns out minor/inexpensive to repair, I would give the car a full tune-up. See my 2nd reply at:

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Best of luck to you,


JPN

P.S: Sorry Tech, I used one of your images.

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I had the same problem... It was my ignition, try to jiggle the key around, push the key in further, turn it over then turn the key back to you... Just do a little bit of everything you can to the key while in the ignition. I worked for me.

Let me know if you have any luck.