Why is my 1998 Volvo's "check engine" light always on yet the car runs perfectly?

Answer 1

time to upgrade your car

Answer 2

The "check engne" light on most cars doesn't give an exact reason for the fault. It just gives you an indication that you should take the car to a mechanic for checkup. The exact fault can only be found with specialised diagnostic equipment that plugs into your car's on-board computer.

With most vehicles, the on-board computer reverts to a "safe mode" state when there is such a fault, and continues to run as normal, however you should never ignore the warning for a long period of time and get it checked out as soon as possible. There may be an air leak or equipment malfunction in the engine that could gradually lead to component failure.

Answer 3

There's something wrong with the emissions control system. Although you can get the codes read at almost any auto parts store, you really need a qualified mechanic to interpret the meaning.

You'll frequently get a code for wrong voltage on the oxygen sensor, for example. Most people change out the oxygen sensor only to find that that did not fix the problem. That's because something else could be causing the low output voltage, such as a clogged air filter.

It could also be something as simple as a loose gas cap! Or a bad pressure valve in the gas cap.

Answer 4

a solid mechanic might desire to degree the actual coolant temp and study it to the sensor reader on a expert grade test gadget. If the temp is bigger than the test gadget exhibits, that would desire to warrant changing the sensor. If the actual temp is low and paired the sensor reading, then the undertaking lies someplace else. The chilly initiate subject exhibits that it would desire to no longer the coolant temp sensor. while the engine is chilly, the european runs the engine in "open loop" mode, and forces the ignition timing and air-gasoline combination in accordance with an inner table of preset values. while the engine warms up, even nonetheless,the european calculates the combination and ignition from reading taken from quite a few sensors obtainable problems different than the coolant temp sensor are: Vacuum leak or air leak between the air clear out housing and throttle physique, undesirable thermostat sensor creep interior the IAT, O2, and MAP/BAP sensors (if so equipped corroded or broken sensor wiring. undesirable plugs or plug wires

Answer 5

The computer may be pre-programed to have the light come on after the car gets a certain mileage. Might want to check oil, ect just to be safe.

Answer 6

It means there is something wrong with one of the sensor's on your car. Doesn't necessarily mean the engine isn'y running right. Best thing to do for this, is go to Autozone, or similar parts store, and get the codes read on the car. Then you'd know what part, or sensor is bad. Good luck.

Answer 7

Famous last words.

It's trying to warn you BEFORE major damage is done. Will you be happy when it catches on fire or something? At least get it checked so you will know how serious the problem may bee.

I for one don't like getting stranded in a bad place.

Answer 8

might be the oxygen sensor is not calibrated, but if you really want to know, find a shop where they can run computer scans on the computer in your car, this will give them the code as for exactly what it means.

Answer 9

if the lights on its not alright
but if everyting is ok the its probably one of the engin sensors that arnt working
so start cheching of those componets first

Answer 10

You need to service it.