1997 VOLVO 960 Shows CHECK ENGINE

The important thing to remember is that the "check engine" light is there to let you know there is an emission related problem that you might not know about unless it told you. As long as the engine runs okay it is safe to drive around town, and as long as the fuel economy is fairly normal (20 mpg or so) it can be driven normally.

The question is "why did the light come on?" The answer requires an OBDII scanner to read the codes. In the meantime, make sure the gas cap is tight. Loose gas caps probably account for more than half of all "check engine" light episodes. If the cap is loose, even a little bit, the light will stay on for several days of driving after you tighten it.

Mike

Thanks! In my case the transmission select light is not blinking.. I am trying to get and OBD II reader..

Great suggestion!! However, I have double checked the gas cap and it seems pretty tight. I will get at an OBD II scanner to check the code first thing Monday.

Thanks for your reponse..

Without having a code reader say what is wrong it is impossible to make even an educated guess.

I have this. Disconnect the battery, and undo the two leads to the lambda sensors. They are down near the gearbox filler(on RHD anyway).

The get gummed up. Reconnect them and the battery.

Hopefully should be ok if not then something more serious I'm afraid. John

While my Volvo is in rehab, I am driving a 200 Hyundai Accent (yee-ha!). It is NOTORIOUS for a check engine light - comes on, goes off, has a mind of it's own.

I researched it -- O2 Sensor. $140 to replace (part only).

"this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!"

Oh, yes, disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes worked for me to reset it. (for about a week)

One possible cause of the light coming on is if you ran out gas, or just got low. The sputtering will activate the light.