Maintenance
Your car passed several major inspections before it was delivered to you. The maintenance procedures in the Service and Warranty Booklet, many of which will positively affect your car's emissions, should be performed as indicated. Such servicing is not covered by the warranty. You will be required to pay for labour and materials used. Volvo recommends that you save receipts for maintenance relating to vehicle emissions in the event of questions regarding maintenance.
If a malfunction is observed or suspected, inspection and maintenance should be performed as soon as possible.
Emission inspection readiness
OBDII is a part of the car's electronic computer system. It stores diagnostic information about your car's emissions controls. If the system detects a fault in the emissions control, the check engine light may be illuminated. A fault occurs when a component or system is not performing as expected. The fault may be permanent or temporary. OBDII saves a message that a fault has been detected.
- Many states connect a computer directly to a car's OBDII system. The inspector can then read fault messages recorded by OBDII. In some states, this type of inspection has replaced the exhaust pipe emission test.
- If your check engine light is illuminates, your car may fail inspection.
- If your check engine light was illuminated but went off without any action on your part, OBDII will still have a recorded fault. Your car may pass or fail, depending on the inspection practices in your area.
- If you had a recent service that required the battery to be disconnected, OBDII diagnostic information may be incomplete and not ready for inspection. A car that is not ready may fail inspection.
- If your check engine light is illuminated or was illuminated but went off without a service, have your car diagnosed and, if necessary, serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
- If you recently had a service for an illuminated check engine light or if you had a service that required the battery to be disconnected, a period of driving is necessary to get the OBDII system ready for inspection. Two half-hour trips of mixed stop-and-go/motorway driving are typically needed to allow OBDII to be ready. Your Volvo dealer can provide you with more information on planning a trip.
- Maintain your car in accordance with your car's maintenance schedule.