This is my first Volvo and I am really enjoying it. Unfortunately the other day the check engine light came on. I ran the diagnostics on it and code p0172 Bank 1 System too rich appeared. Has anyone else found a solution to this code? From everything i have read online most people are saying to pull the maf sensor and clean it and see if that resolves the problem. Am I on the right track? Also, with a volvo, will the check engine light go off if I resolve the problem or do I have to have the dealership clear it? I have not found a mechanic in my area yet that works on volvos other than the dealership which is way to rich for my blood. I figured I would register on here first before I gave in and have to spend alot of money reapairing my car. Thank-you all in advance for taking the time to read my post and help me with my issue.

Happy New Year,
Tony

 

Over 50 views on this post and not a single reply....Thanks Anyway.

 

I have the same problem. Did you ever figure it out?

 

I am interested also. I bought an OBDii reader from ebay for $18 and found that I can reset the code... but it comes on after about 3 days.

 

Cleaning the Mass Air Flow sensor wouldn't hurt as long as you use a cleaner designed for the purpose and not carb cleaner. CRC makes a good cleaner. I keep a can in my garage and clean my MAF sensor yearly as part of my maintenance.

Fixing the problem won't clear the code. You will need a scanning device compatible with VIDA and the VIDA software to clear it along with a windows 7 laptop to run the software. The device and an old version (2014.5) can be had for 150.00 or less on ebay or Amazon but look out for hacked versions. Buying from volvo directly is now subscription based and not cheap.

Personally I would be looking at the O2 sensors as well to see if one is lazy (switching slow). Unfortunately the computer will only report a bad sensor when it's really bad or dead. Slow sensors won't necessarily throw a code but they can definitely cause a rich condition. I would also pull and read your plugs. Black plugs / rich plugs can be cleaned but personally I would replace them at under 30.00 a set instead as part of the repair.

 

Thanks Jerick; I replaced the plugs abt 6 months ago, and the car is running extremely well. Sounds like it could be one of a few things then that set off that error code.

Mine is a 98 C70. Are you saying that cleaning the sensor and resetting the code with my OBDii device won't necessarily stop the code from reappearing ? I would need the VIDA s/w and scanning device ?

what about replacing the sensor with a new one ?

 

The VIDA software will give you the complete list of error codes and assistance in deciphering them. It will also allow you to completely clear the codes and check to see what pops back up. You OBD2 reader can read the Volvo specific codes.

You can try cleaning your MAF sensor but no guarantees that doing so will clear up the problem. That's why I suggested looking for a lazy O2 sensor. If the O2 sensors are switching quickly and the MAF sensor then it's on to additional troubleshooting.

For example:

Read the plugs. Is there one that is fouled? Multiple fouled plugs? Are they all fouled?

Here are some really good pics for plug reading I found using Google:

Engine Reading spark plugs and troubleshooting guide - Turbo Dodge Forums : Turbo Dodge Forum for Turbo Mopars, Shelbys, Dodge Daytona, Dodge SRT-4, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Omni and more!

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a plug was fouled by fuel or a weak coil pack. If I have one fouled plug, I would replace that plug and another plug nearby and switch the coil packs between the cylinders. Make a note of the change and then drive the car for a few weeks. Pull those plugs and check to see if the fouled plug followed the coil pack. If it did, time to replace the coil packs or at least that one coil pack and the now fouled plug. If it didn't, then perhaps it's time to get your fuel injectors flow tested or replaced.

I personally err on the side of test before replace because I'm cheap. However, I would buy a VIDA pack to start with so that you're working with all of the available information and not just a small subset.