Code refuses to clear
 

UPDATE: I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO CLEAR THE CODE 214 BUT MY CAR WILL NOT START EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE RPM SENSOR.

I am under the impression that you can clear the codes on a 1994 850 even if you have not fixed the underlying problem but the next time you start the car if the problem still exists the codes will return.

Q1: Is the above statement accurate? Thanks. I'm confused.

Q2: Say you fixed the underlying problem but for whatever reason you are unable to clear the code. Will a code stop a car from starting (even if you have fixed the problem)?

Q3: I have both the Haynes and Chilton manuals but for some reason I am not able to clear the darn 2-1-4 code. Insert plug in slot 2 of module A. Press and hold button for 5 seconds. Wait for red light to illuminate. Press and hold button 5 more seconds while light is illuminated. Should clear code right? Never does. Annoying! Thinking about disconnecting battery to see if that does anything.

Thanks, thanks, thanks for any help.

Depress the button 4 times (about second on the depression time). The red light to the left of the circle will blink once, now depress the button once, the light will blink once, depress the button 5 times, the light will blink once, depress the button once, the light will flicker. The flickering is hard to see some times, but you are now finished, remove the jumper and replace it to lid

That is not how you clear the codes on a 94 850. I have a 94 850 and this is how you clear the codes.

My 94 850 has an OBDII socket....can I check the codes under the hood like an OBDI car? I don't have a scanner.

I have tried your method many times. Basically the same method as outlined in both the Haynes and Chilton manuals and it will not work on my car. The code 2-1-4 will not clear. In fact, if you turn on the key, insert the probe in A2, press and hold the button for 5 seconds (per the manuals) or 7 seconds (per your suggestion)... nothing happens. No red light illuminates.

Honestly, this clearing the code thing is beside the point. No one answered my real question. If a new component is installed but the pesky code will not clear... will a code stop a car from starting (assuming you fixed the underlying problem).

Thanks.

From Volvo service docs concerning code 2-1-4:

"This problem, which applies primarily to A/T vehicles, can prevent engine from starting and set a code."

This code indicates a problem with the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor I believe). If the car is already in a no start condition just changing the sensor without clearing the code likely will not allow the car to start (although I'm not certain).

How did you obtain code 2-1-4 if the red light does not illuminate? And you do know that you can not clear a code unless all codes from that socket have been shown? It should go as page fcpgroton points to: Plug into A2, press the button for 1 sec, read the code, repeat until all codes have been shown (once you see the codes repeat all have been shown), hold the button for 5 sec, release and wait for the LED to light then hold the button for 5 sec. When you release the button the light should stay out. Wait 10 seconds and press the button for 1 sec, should show code 1-1-1. Codes are now clear.

Thanks for the reply. I obtained the 2-1-4 code (and am still able to obtain it) by pressing the button for 1 second after inserting the plug into A2. I have no trouble seeing the code 2-1-4. After the code displays I press the button for 1 second again and code 2-1-4 is displayed again, leading me to believe this is the only code being thrown. My problem is that I cannot clear the code by turning the key off, then on, then pressing the button for 5 seconds. Nothing happens. No red light illuminates if I press the button for 5 seconds, or 7 seconds. Only if I press the button for 1 second will something happen (code 2-1-4 will be displayed). I have replaced the RPM Sensor as per suggestions from members of this board. Now I really want to clear that stupid code so I can see if the car will start. At this point I am thinking of disconnecting the battery for a few hours to see if that helps. Thanks again.

Yes you can. The 94 - 95 850s have the OBD1 box and the OBD2 port.

Yes, a code in the system can keep a car from starting. Have you tried clearing it with an OBD2 scanner? There may be an issue with the wiring in the OBD1 box.

Thanks. I'll pick up a scanner tomorrow.

You don't need to pick up a scanner. Just go to your local Autozone or similar auto store and have them scan it for you, they should do it for free.

Dude. The car won't start. lol

Bought a little OBD2 scanner today. Plugged it into the data link port (hidden under the coin holder in front of the shifter on my 1994 Volvo). Turned the key. Code P0336 popped up. This code is the same as 2-1-4 on OBD1 which is 'Sporadic RPM Sensor'. Okay. A new RPM sensor was installed so I went ahead and cleared the code with my scanner. It was the only code.

The car still won't start. Okay. So I looked again at the OBD1 and now I get a 1-1-1 ("All Clear" code).

So I have no codes and my car won't start. Just wants to make you laugh, or cry. Whatever. At least my rusty 150cc Chinese scooter runs and I have a bicycle.

lol ..................:)

These cars love new batteries. Good-luck.

Greeeat. I think I need to change my shorts now.