Volvo S80 Owner's Manual page 189

06 Maintenance and specifications
Maintaining your car
Emission inspection readiness
What is an Onboard Diagnostic System
(OBD II)?
OBD II is part of your vehicle's computerized
engine management system. It stores diag-
nostic information about your vehicle's emis-
sion controls. It can light the Check Engine
light (MIL) if it detects an emission control
"fault." A "fault" is a component or system
that is not performing within an expected
range. A fault may be permanent or tempo-
rary. OBD II will store a message about any
fault.
How do states use OBD II for emission
inspections?
Many states connect a computer directly to a
vehicle's OBD II system. The inspector can
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then read "faults." In some states, this type
of inspection has replaced the tailpipe emis-
sion test.
How can my vehicle fail OBD II emission
inspection?
Your vehicle can fail OBD II emission inspec-
tion for any of the following reasons.
• If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit, your
vehicle may fail inspection.
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• If your vehicle's Check Engine light was lit,
but went out without any action on your
part, OBD II will still have a recorded fault.
Your vehicle may pass or fail, depending
on the inspection practices in your area.
• If you had recent service that required
disconnecting the battery, OBD II diag-
nostic information may be incomplete and
"not ready" for inspection. A vehicle that is
not ready may fail inspection.
How can I prepare for my next OBD II
emission inspection?
• If your Check Engine (MIL) light is lit - or
was lit but went out without service, have
your vehicle diagnosed and, if necessary,
serviced by a qualified Volvo technician.
• If you recently had service for a lit Check
Engine light, or if you had service that
required disconnecting the battery, a peri-
od of driving is necessary to bring the
OBD II system to "ready" for inspection. A
half-hour trip of mixed stop-and-go/high-
way driving is typically needed to allow
OBD II to reach readiness. Your Volvo
retailer can provide you with more infor-
mation on planning a trip.
• Maintain your vehicle in accordance with
your vehicle's maintenance schedule.