You really need to do that PCV ASAP. That clogged system can cause the motor to build a lot of pressure and blow seals. In the mean time, do not put your foot in it. Drive it like an old lady. Some people actually drive with the dip stick out a little until they get it done. If you choose to do that, make sure you're not loosing oil.

These cars cost about $75 per month to maintain. Budget for that. They hold up a long time as Matt has proven so you have a car that can run a long time if you put the $75 per month into it. If you do the work yourself, you can get away with about $35 per month. Since I have had my wagon (which now has over 200,000 miles on it), May of last year, I have done the following:

Oil changes: 3x $105
* Used Transmission: $540
Rear main seal: $50
Control Arms: $40
Wipers: $10
Cabin Filter: $15
PCV: $135
Stereo: -$5
Tranny Fluid Change: $38
Lube Fan: $6
Replace Rear Bumper Brackets: $10
Replace Rear Tail Lights: $130
Roof Rack: $50
Drivers side door mirror: $25
Tires (new x4 plus mount & balance): $285
Head light wiper: $10
Trailer hitch: $80
Touch up paint: $45
Trim pieces: $65
Side marker lights: $35
Front motor mount: $20
TOTAL SO FAR: $1,689

I'm about to do the timing belt: $125

So I've been spending about $150 per month doing work myself. Now I did purchase the car with a bad tranny and I have been doing some catch up. After this timing belt I should be good for about 3 to 4 years. So my average cost will drop every month.

PCV should be done every 5 years.
Timing belt should be done every 7 years or 70,000 miles.
Tires should last 50,000 miles.
Those are the 3 big expenses on these cars unless something else goes, like struts, etc.

* = Paid a mechanic to do it.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure when the belt was done. I'll have to review the paperwork that came with the car.

In california they don't let you barrow OBD readers anywhere so I'll have to go to a mechanic and dish out like $35 just to get the codes and reset.

 

Didn't know you were in CA. If I were you I would purchase one before paying $35 per trip. It will pay for itself in less than a year.

Also, chances are the belt was never changed. I had a '97 960 that had 53k on it when I got it. Never had the belt changed in 11 years.

 

You were 100% right. The issue was an elbow hose under the intake manifold. That was what set off the CEL and was caused by a clogged up PCV system. Took it to the shop like you already read in the other thread I have currently up and they cleaned out the PCV, but looks like I'm going to have to replace the Breather Box (whatever that is) myself which I'm thinking includes the hoses and a gasket.

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to let you know that you were right.

 

Glad you have a happy ending. Many happy miles!

 

Good to hear/read that you're still moving forward. Have you checked on the timing belt yet?