I recently took my 97 850 Sedan (Non-turbo,5-speed) to Inspection and Emissions (Utah). Just as I was leaving the house the Check Engine light came on. The Check Engine light comes on every now and then, each time I download the code it is always the same PO 300 code. Sometimes I just drive the car untill it resets it self and sometimes I erase the code with my scanner. This time I down loaded the code and the usual(PO 300) "Random Multiple Cylinder misfire" came up, I erased the code and drove the car at varying speeds up to 60 MPH for about 45 minutes. I took the car to the testing station and the car passed the safety inspection but failed the emissions portion because the following sensors were "Not Ready", Catalyst, O2 Sensor, O2 Sensor Heater,Evap System, Air System and EGR systems. I drove the car for 2 days and put about 75 miles on it. I took the car to the moutains, interstate and city driving. Took the car back to the testing station and the same exact sensors were "Not Ready", not 1 had changed! Any ideas on what I need to do?? The nearest Volvo Dealer is about 35 miles from my house and I really don't want to pay the dealer unless I have too. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

 

Sometimes they Are a Major Pain to get the sensors to ready status.

 

Do this:

 

I recently purchased a '97 Volvo 850 GLT Station Wagon, and am having the same problems with the smog test. I have been told to keep driving it until all sensors are ready, but after almost 500 miles, there is no change and the same sensors are still not ready. My frustration is about peaked. I am driving illegally at this point and am unable to complete my vehicle registration because of this. I will try the 'readiness reset driving cycle' as recommended above and hopfully that will work. It is my only hope at this point i think. Anyone out there with more suggestions please offer them.

 

I drove 4000 miles after repar and 2 of them still didn’t set (Catalyst, O2 Sensor). And other 6 got set after 3000+ miles.
After that I followed driving cycles described here:
http://experts.about.com/q/Volvo-802...er-modules.htm
After driving around 3 hours and following all cycles described monitors finally got set.

 

mkay

 

update on my smog test prob......
After much research, i found out that '97 and '98 volvos have special smog issues. it is very difficult, if not impossible, for the sensors to reset. Here in CA, these volvo models are on a special list that allows them to go to a referee station for a smog test. there are half a dozen of these ref station around the LA area. so it ended up being pretty simple. In CA, make an appointment at a referee station by calling 800 622 7733. So, in the end, after much fuss and stress, there was a simple solution. Good luck if you're not in CA.

 

Do you know what the referee station does differently?