V70 2.4 auto emissions warning light

Hi All

Just bought a 2001 V70, very happy with it and it runs beautifully but,
not being used to new or newish cars I don't know how urgent warning
lights are. The emission system service light has come on and is on
all the time. Do I need to get this sorted asap? Also, will I have to
go to a Volvo garage?

Still under warranty with dealer, so I could go back to him if its
serious.

Thanks for help!

Gerard

 

The emissions light (also called a MIL light or "check engine" light) is not
normally a critical alert, but read your owner's manual for details. A
common cause is a loose gas cap (although it may not feel loose), but it
could be lots of things. Any service department and most auto parts chains
can read the codes and determine what sort of thing is going wrong. But for
the warranty (assuming it isn't the gas cap) you need a Volvo garage.

In general, when the emissions light comes on, if you don't notice anything
else the car is okay to drive around town or gently on the freeway. If the
fuel consumption is okay also, it can be driven normally.

Mike

 

Thanks Mike,

YOur reply is most helpful, I'll double check the gas cap and if
nothing changes, I'm confident that my usual garage will be able to
diagnose the fault if any.

cheers

Gerard

 

Ah... call me crazy here but if the check engine light is on and the car is
still under warranty shouldn't you be going back to the dealer? Even if it's
not serious alot of service centers charge at least a nominal fee to read
the code and reset the light. They have to pay for that expensive tool! I
agree that the light may be nothing bad but if you are close to the dealer I
would go back.

Jordan 1999 S70 Loaded!