I am looking to purchase an 850 wagon as a replacement for my 300D. I recently came across a '96 850 platinum edition with a check engine light problem- apparently the owner replaced the exhaust system with a Bosal stainless exhaust system plus a catalytic converter. He said that the Bosal catalytic converter is causing the CEL issue. Does this seem right? From what I have read here an exhaust without a cat. (like the OBX) will set off the light, but I haven't found anything about this problem. I want to make sure whatever car I buy will pass MA state inspection.
As some additional info, the car has 172K miles for $3000.

 

Could be a rear O2. Make sure both O2 sensors are plugged in.

 

If the exhaust has a good working cat, there should be no CEL. I would do what gilber mentioned and make sure that the rear o2 is connected. Some of the aftermarket exhaust need an extension wire that may have come apart.

It is possible that the CEL is from something else. If you have a scanner, take it with you and scan the computer for codes. You will have to get that light off some how if you want it to pass inspection.

Also, that sounds like a good price for the car too. Good luck.

 

would any obd2 scanner plug into the volvo?

 

Any OBD-II scanner will plug in to an OBD-II volvo. However, there are a few out there that don't support all OBD-II protocols, and don't work with Volvos (or most European cars for that matter. However, most will.

Find out what codes are coming up, and post here, we can help you

 

Definitely....post the codes and we can go from there. SOunds like it might be an O2 sensor issue. Decent price for the car though if all else is ok