The story thus far:
Uninformed about the vagaries (read problems) with this year and model, I bought it used with ~70K miles on it. I spent about $12K back in
2003. I have since put about that back into the car in the form of a new engine, new PS pump, new tires, new this, new that, and keeping the codes down. The new engine and PS pump were used, but they were new to me and better than the dead ones.AFter the nu-used engine went in (this is summer-04), the Check Engine light came on, intermittently, but more often than not. Also, the Check Emissions warning came on, again, intermittently, but again more often on than off. I finally moved to a state where they take their emissions testing seriously (Virginia) and have been told that I must get whatever is ticking the codes fixed.
I got myself an ODBII reader and discovered that there were some actual problems with the system. I took it to an independent mechanic who specializes in cranky Scandananvian autos. They fixed a broken tie rod, replaced the two tires that hadn't been replaced before, sealed some vacuum leaks, charged me about $700 and said something really weird for a mechanic to say, after holding the car for only about two days. What they said was roughly like this:
Well, we've done what we can do, but there's something with the front O2 sensors that we just can pin down. We switched em with the back ones and we switched em left to right, we done did everything we know how to do, and the damn light won't go out.
I was amazed, as my experience has generally been either of two options: 1- hold it a lot longer, fix a bunch of junk that might be related and run up the billable labor hours or 2- clear the codes and send me on my way, hoping it doesn't pop again. Anyrate, the big advice here was that it had to go back to the dealership.
I took it to the dealership they recommended, and was told that they needed to replace the "oil seperator (PCV box)" to continue with diagnosis. They also did a software update. I did a little research and asked if this could be cleaned (according to Volvo's TSB on the matter, it should be, and it's a lengthy process to get it out), he said "No, and if we wanted to, we'd have to do all the labor of replacing it anyway, and that's the major component of the $800 pricetage for doing it. Oh yea, we can't guarantee that this will fix the problem, either. One last bit of salt, the part for a Chevy costs $2, but for your car, it's $150." That's not all direct quote, but it covers the substance of what he said (he did mention the relative cost of PCV boxes for Chevys and Volvos, which I think was a little cruel).
Anyrate, I said, "No Deal." After an experience getting the car back from the dealer, I drive it home, notice that the emissions service light isn't on anymore, and plug in my ODBII code reader. My results follow: Codes: p0442 EVAP Emission Control System Leak (small) MIL light: ON (don't need an ODBII reader for that one) Mointors:
0 Incomplete 7 Ready Misfire Fuel Comp Catalyst Evap O2 Sensor O2 Sensor HeaterSo, I guess the question is: Is this p0442 something related to the PCV box? Should it really take $800 to fix this? And if there are any experts on Virginia Emissions Testing, is this something I'm gonna get flunked over?