OBD II Diagnostics
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Date/Time……………………: 05-Mar-2010 17:13:16
The MIL is commanded Off.
Emissions-Related Powertrain DTCs, Mode 3 :
Electronic Control Unit ID: 11
C1571
Manufacturer specific code.
PO455
EVAP Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
C04E0
Manufacturer specific code.
C16F3
Manufacturer specific code.
Continuously Monitored Systems DTCs, Mode 7:
No Diagnostic Trouble Codes recorded.
“Does my car need work?”
A shrug and some broken English that I am not really getting finally “…it is up to you,” as the owner points to the words gross leak on the paper with an inquiring looking at me.
“Okay, I need to research this and figure out what I should do.”
“Okay” Somehow on his round Asian face I felt this was not the correct answer. Whew I barely got out of that situation without spending money, putting research weird codes on my “to do” list. Now 3 months later, stressing, putting off looking up car stuff which I know nothing of, I am doing it.
I found out that the codes are not easy to find since my car is manufactured in Sweden. Apparently not all manufacturers implement the OBD II standards and practices that became mandatory in the U.S. in 1996. A little background history, in the 1980s the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) started creating standards for diagnostic connectors and diagnostic test signals that were adopted by the EPA and CARB. The OBD II Scanners connect to the CAN/SAE J1850 OBD II on vehicle network port.
OBD means “On-Board-Diagnostic” which monitors and controls the systems within your car’s computer that regulates vehicle emissions.
The OBD II turns on the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL.) A “Service Engine Soon,” “Check Engine,” or a standard symbol will light up when a failure occurs, such as the vehicle emissions exceeding 1.5 times their designed standard. *Note if warning lamp is flashing – stop driving and repair immediately
I focus in on the code PO455 EVAP Control System Leak Detected (gross leak) which the SAE J2012 defines the DTC coding. Great - google to the rescue! At the SEA International website I find that I can buy this information for $63. Bah humbug! Further research I find a great DTC code breaker online in pdf format. A gross leak is possible when code 0455 registered in the test exposing the problem of polluting gases (Hydrocarbons - HCs) expelled. The evaporative control (EVAP) system is supposed to capture any raw fuel evaporating from the fuel storage system (e.g. the fuel tank, filler neck, and fuel cap). From reading online it seems the 99% it is the fuel cap and replacing it helps. Under precise operating conditions—dictated by engine temperature, speed, and load—the EVAP system stores and purges these captured fuel vapors back into the combustion process.
Besides smelling, the unburned droplets of raw fuel affect breathing and contribute to smog. What can I do? I check the 2001 U.S.A./Canada VOLVO Warranty and service Records Information book and I appear out of warranty. Darn!
I check out the emission warranty parts list to see the components that can go wrong. Reasons for a failed OBD II test (which I am not sure I actually failed or just getting suggestions – can we say denial?) by The Texas Department of Public Safety is as follows;
• Catalytic Converter failure,
• Faulty gas cap,
• Fuel metering out of specification,
• Incorrect ignition timing,
• Inoperative injection system and/or thermostatic air cleaner,
• Mis-routed vacuum lines, and
• Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System.
The phone rings.
Raymond, my 78 year old Neighbor says with a thick English accent, “Hi HMCinCali”
“Ya hi, I called earlier because I put on a pot of coffee and wanted to know if you wanted some, now I am busy reading up on some OBD II Diagnostics.”
“Why are you doing that? You will never understand. What is the car doing?”
“Well it shakes quite a bit.”
“That has nothing to do with the emissions.”
Light bulb goes off, feeling kinda dumb, “oh yea, that makes sense, I should most likely be checking the tires, well I got to go.”
“Okay, they make things to complicated now-a-days,… don’t do anything until you have a problem.”
“Okay, bye,” I say as I hang up the phone.
I clean my car to bring to Auto Doctor which I figure he can change the oil since it is now due and run a test to pin point the problem or just replace the fuel cap. As I am outside my other neighbor, who is now retired from the auto industry, comes by to talk. The older Italian-American from Monterey fishing community says "you can't be driving on these tires, look at them!"
"They are new I just got them a year ago," I said as I observed the smooth treadless tires with threading showing.
Panicked that my daughter and I have been driving on such dangerous tires I contact Wheel Works who tell me it is a no mileage warranty. WTF!!! All I can see is driving down the highway and a tire (s) blow and we are thrown across the lanes and may or may not survive. WTF! I bring it down to Wheel Works and I can spend another thousand on tires, I guess it is like a thousand a year - bull. Tires should last longer than a year. They have the car as they are getting proof that it is not their fault because the car is not in alignment. Great! I get sold shitty tires and then get blamed for it. This is not working.
If anybody has any suggestions please comment.
