Lambda light

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Forrest

Before you start throwing parts at this problem has anyone actually read the codes?

Referring back to my advice in post #3, a 1997 V90 should be ISO9141 OBDII. This means that even the cheapest, sub £20 code reader should be able to make a decent stab at reading an ECU error code.

If it is a P0422 Catalyst efficiency below threshold error, then my experience since September last year might also help. I must admit that I had bought a new Bosch rear sensor but had not got around to fitting it. My MOT came due in December and I was told I needed a new front pipe / catalyst. Non-OEM was not especially expensive. The garage refitted the existing sensors and I have not had the lambda light come on again since. I have now stopped carrying my Foxwell scanner to reset it.

Sometimes its just a case of going straight for the root cause!

You're abolutely correct but it seems from the posts above, the garage in question is only interested in getting the ECU tested and not investigating the actual cause of the problem.

I have a problem on my Honda at the moment, looking like it may be the ECU/PCM but there are a couple of wiring problems to investigate first before i condemn the ECU.

However, taking into account what Derek said above, i'm suggesting the Lambda sensor as a starting point and given the age and/or mileage, there's a fair chance that is the problem. Yes, it's a gamble and by rights it should be tested/codes read before any parts are bought but sadly the OP has been put between a rock and a hard place by the garage.

[Piet22]

There are many causes that could cause the lambda light to be turned on. The catalyst itself could also be the problem. If its internals are loose (hit it with your fist when cold) it is likely the catalyst that is not working sufficiently.

However, if the engine still runs fine and fuel consumption is normal you could "solve" the problem by removing the kick-panel and take out the lambda bulb from the instrument panel from behind.
In the Netherlands we also have an annual MOT including a four-gases test and it normally has no problems with 960's that are modified like this.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Piet22

There are many causes that could cause the lambda light to be turned on. The catalyst itself could also be the problem. If its internals are loose (hit it with your fist when cold) it is likely the catalyst that is not working sufficiently.

However, if the engine still runs fine and fuel consumption is normal you could "solve" the problem by removing the kick-panel and take out the lambda bulb from the instrument panel from behind.
In the Netherlands we also have an annual MOT including a four-gases test and it normally has no problems with 960's that are modified like this.

That would fail the MoT here because the EML didn't come on during fault-check on start-up.

[derek vivian]

Having purchased on line the front lambda sensor I got the mechanic to replace the existing with it. However, the light has come on again so I switched it off by removing fuse 1. I was advised by my Volvo mechanic that my car might have the wrong catalytic convertor (catalyst) and is seems over the years when the total exhaust has been replaced by new ones they might not be Volvo oem. Does anyone know from where I can get a genuine catalytic convertor built with original Volvo designs? My car is a 1997 V90.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by derek vivian

Having purchased on line the front lambda sensor I got the mechanic to replace the existing with it. However, the light has come on again so I switched it off by removing fuse 1. I was advised by my Volvo mechanic that my car might have the wrong catalytic convertor (catalyst) and is seems over the years when the total exhaust has been replaced by new ones they might not be Volvo oem. Does anyone know from where I can get a genuine catalytic convertor built with original Volvo designs? My car is a 1997 V90.

Does your car have two O2 sensors ? If it only has one and its before the cat it doesn't matter what make the cat is

Have you read the codes to actually find out what's causing the EML light to come on ?