does anyone know of a link, if its possible to retrieve the codes from the car when the check engine light comes on and stays on. the light came on today, and ive noticed that under acceleration (mainly hard acceleration) that the car surges. its a 1997 850glt

thank you

Jeff

 

Hello, Your 96 and newer are OBD2. The data link connector is located forward of the shifter.Scan tools for OBD2 are everywhere,just make sure the tool you purchase covers your car.If you dont want to pluk down coin at this time, Autozone or Advanced will scan for free. Let us know what happens!

 

Hey Bitter356

I have a '96 850 Turbo wagon. What scan tool do you reccomend to buy with breaking the bank?
Ray

 

I recently purchased the cheapest Actron scanner available at Amazon for less than 50 bucks. Reads the codes and deletes 'em. I didn't see a need for any of the fancier options that cost much more. Before I bought the scanner I went to Autozone and asked them to clear the codes for me when my light was on. They said that they couldn't because of "liability" reasons...claimed they could be responsible for clearing codes right before I sold the vehicle. Not sure how that scenario would be any of their business, but I digress... I promptly went home and ordered my own. Keep stowed in the armrest.

 

I havent't looked into any of these OBD2 scanners, I just try not to trip over them at the auto parts store. OBD2 is a generic format for retrieving info and clearing codes. The manufacturers disclose only minimum info to satisfy the powers at be. I have seen these starting around 75-130 dollars.If you want more expanded information that increases your ability to diagose the problem, the more you will have to invest. On the plus side, if you have a lap top you can buy specific Volvo software w/DLC connector for about $160.00 Ebay is a good source.Warning!!! If you are going to buy specific software, ask the origin of the info. Some people duplicate data from Alldata or Mitchell, both useless. I work on various marques, I have to bounce from Solus-Pro to laptop to pc depending on what arrives at my door. I have found the OE software specific to manufacturer is the best way for info the OBD2 cannot supply.Hope that helps.

 

That helps some. I keep getting my check engine light to come on. I have done some items, but I feel bad going to my mechanic asking him to clear the codes. I have a laptop, that is not an issue, but I know some units work better than others. IPD has a unit for $170.00
http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-850/Tool...p-72-729-2502/
not sure if this is the proper tool.

Anyone's comments are surely appreciated.

 

Ray the IPD unit looks like the one. They spend quite amount of time developing thier software products. Some might say they are at the high end pricing scale. But if you don't have a regular channel for parts of quality, it's hard to beat-em. The tech support is top notch. Jim

 

Ok i went out and purchased an Actron OBDII (CP9175) scanner and ran it. it said "cylinder 5 misfire". for grins i went and replaced all 5 plugs and sure enough the hesitating over 4000 rpm is gone and the light is off. i cleared the obdII computerand then test drove the car again winding it out to see if the problem would return and it hasnt. i have seen the car rev over 4000 and nottrigger the light until the plugs were changed. gotta love the scanner, defintely worth the money