Login|Contact Us
Question and Answer

Volvo

Ask a Volvo Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

  • Ask A Question
  • Browse Answers
  • Meet The Experts
  • How JustAnswer Works

1990 Volvo 740: what trouble codes 121, 221..overhead cam

 
Mike, volvo Tech's Avatar
  • Answered by:Mike, volvo Tech
  • Technician
  • Positive Feedback: 99.5 %
  • Accepted Answers: 1303
Verified Expert
in Volvo

Recent Feedback

Positive
thank you
Positive
thanks, you were a big help
Positive
This was an incredibly easy solution to my car problem. Mike was super,and I...
Positive
Thank you! I will have the shop that installed the alternator take a look at it...
Positive
very helpful, though still need some more in depth answers about some of the...
Positive
concise thanks.
Positive
thank you for responding promply and I am going to try your advise will write...
Positive
quick and informative advice
Positive
Thanks Mike Having never done the job before I was hesitant but thanks to your...
Positive
Mike was of great assistance...thanks!

Customer Question

I need to know what trouble codes 121, 221, and 321 mean on a 1990 Volvo 740 with a B230F 8-valve single-overhead cam engine. thanks

 

Optional Information:
1990 Volvo 740 base model B230F 8 valve S

Submitted: 1667 days and 8 hours ago.
Category: Volvo
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1667 days and 5 hours ago.

121 is the air mass meter, 221 is fuel trim to lean at part load and 321 is no knock enrichment signak from the igntion computer. I would suggest replacing the air mass meter that is mounted to the air cleaner housing for the first 2 codes. the 3rd code I have seen this set by low voltage to computer at start up due to bad fuel pump relay. replace both of them. the relay is chaep.

 

 

If I heped please Hit the ACCEPT button. feel free to ask more questions. Thanks Mike

Customer replied 1667 days and 4 hours ago.

I replaced the fuel pump pick up screen and the fuel pump looked like it had been replaced. I just put another one in there but if the MAF sensor is bad it won't read air temp correctly and such, right? If I spray starting fluid in the snoot it will start and run on the fuel and then die. I also powered the fuel pump up independent of key position and tried to start it and it didn't fire. Also, this is the B230F with the Regina Ignition system. Does it have a MAF sensor or is that an ait temp sensor? thanks

Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1667 days and 3 hours ago.

no it doesnt have a air mass meter. and shouldnt have a 121 code. let me check the morning when I get back to work and will recheck the codes.

Customer replied 1667 days and 3 hours ago.

ok email or call XXX-XXX-XXXX XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1666 days and 16 hours ago.

ok 121 is map sensor signal faulty or missing. it is located on the left strut tower near the firewall, in a silver box. check to make sure the vacuum line is not plugged. the 221 is o2 sensor signal missing or faulty, the 321 is signal shorted to ground or missing. 02 sensors do go bad, have seen several of the map sensor vacuum lines plugged or have water at the low spot reducing signal to map sensor. I would suggest replacing o2 sensor, and if map sensor is pluged in and vacuum line is clear to replace it. check to make sure the cold start is plugged in, it is under the intake manifold on the side towards the engine.

 

If I helped please hit the ACCEPT button. thnaks Mike

Customer replied 1666 days and 11 hours ago.

Would all this make it not start even when I spray starting fluid in it? It used to spark knock, fire and run on the fluid, but since I drove it a bit, the engine light came on, it hasn't run since it's weird.

Customer replied 1666 days and 10 hours ago.

Also, do I need a Regina Ignition system specific O 2 sensor? someone told me they operated differently than a normal one. thanks

Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1666 days and 10 hours ago.

yes you need a specific o2 sensor for the regina cars.

Customer replied 1666 days and 10 hours ago.

Why would it run for a while with the one I put in it when I replaced it? thanks

Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1666 days and 8 hours ago.

what o2 sensor did you put it in it? was it a(NNN) NNN-NNNN should be a ntk brand.

Customer replied 1666 days and 7 hours ago.

I got a replacement sensor from a local parts store that I have been dealing with for years and is very reputable. The part # XXXXX XXXXX STD SG36. $66.40 was the price. I had to solder the wires to the connector wires. This all was before I knew it had this Regina Ignition system which seems to change a number of small details in the operation of the engine. I did call them and ask them if it was for the Regina system and he looked it up and he said that it didn't say so chances are it's the wrong one, huh? Should I get a Regina-specific one? Let me know, thanks

Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1666 days and 6 hours ago.

Yes regina is a totally different beast from the bosch system. I'm not a fan of the cut and solder parts. I do know that a chevy pick up truck uses the same map sensor and is a whole lot cheaper than the volvo one. I would change the o2 and then go from there. have you cleared the computer yet? after readin gthe codes and replacing oxygen sensor. pull fuse #1 inthe fuse block behind the ash tray for a few seconds. this clears the memory(adaptations) from the computer.

Customer replied 1666 days and 5 hours ago.

ok I'll try that-thanks

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  Mike, volvo Tech replied 1666 days and 5 hours ago.

If I helped please press the ACCEPT button. if you need to ask more questions feel free. Thanks Mike

Expert TypeTechnician
Category: Volvo
Pos. Feedback: 99.5 %
Accepts: 1303
Answered: 10/23/2008

Experience: 20+ yrs volvo technician, Ase A1-A8, L1, A/C certified

Ask this Expert a Question >
 
Tweet

Volvo Mechanics are Online Right Now

Ask Your Question Now
Volvo Questions Date Submitted
Volvo C70: 2000 Volvo C70 Coupe, ETS check engine light on...did 5/9/2013
Volvo C70: I recently purchased 2000 Volvo C70 Coupe, and ETS 5/9/2013
I have a 2008 S80 3.2 Volvo. It has about 60k miles. The 5/9/2013
Volvo S70: Hello. I have volvo s70 station wagon 1999 I want 5/8/2013
Volvo XC90 T6: I have a whining noise from my timing belt that 5/8/2013
Volvo S 70: I have a Volvo bevel gear with three numbers stamped 5/8/2013
2001 Volvo v70x/c , Has a misfire at idle and climbing hills. 5/8/2013
Volvo 240: I have a 1988 240 Volvo. The car is extremely well 5/8/2013
Volvo S80 V6: Good evening,I changed my front wheel hubs, 5/8/2013
Volvo S80 2.5T: I have a 2001 Volvo S80 that is having Idle 5/8/2013
RSS
Next 10 >
Ask A Volvo Mechanic
Type Your Volvo Question Here...
characters left:

Top Volvo Experts

See More Volvo Mechanics

In The News

Nbc
Washington Post
New York Times
Cnn
Learn More

How It Works

  • Ask an Expert
  • Get a Professional Answer
  • Ask Followup Questions
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More
close
Find Expert answers related to your question.
Sign up using email
We will never post anything without your permission.
Already have an account? Sign in

Ask a Volvo Mechanic

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
79 Volvo Mechanics are Online Now
Type Your Volvo Question Here...
characters left:
Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Truste
Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | About Us | Our Network
© 2003-2013 JustAnswer LLC
  • Pearl.com
  • JustAnswer UK
  • JustAnswer Germany
  • JustAnswer Spanish
  • JustAnswer Japan