How do I turn off the “service needed” light on a 1998 Volvo xcountry. Had the oil changed at the dealer, they forgot to do it, and when I called they said to bring it in and they would take care of it but would not tell me how. I sort of have a job, and it is very incovenient to have to go back for this. Can someone tell me how to do it myself.
Unfortunately, it requires a computer with an appropriate interface and software. The hookup on my Volvo is under the coin holder.
My light is permanently on. My service guy says that, to get it to stay off, we’d have to replace the <Star Trek doubletalk>, which isn’t doing any harm as it is, and would cost a bundle.
But mine has been reset many times in the past. I’m sure nothing needs to be replaced. I figured there was some magical combination of brake presses and key turns, or something that could be done simply. What you describe sounds more the the OBDC. I hope you are not right.
Hmmm, unfortunately, it seems you are correct. Can I just unhook my battery for 30 minutes. I now that will reset the obdc. Will it take care of the service needed light as well?
My question to you is, why would Volvo engineers tie the <Star Trek doubletalk> to the check engine light system if it doesn’t matter to the car when it goes bad?
Well if it’s bugging you that much you can either buy one of these or just stick a piece of black tape over it. 
Me, I’d make an appointment to take it in.
On a 1998 Volvo the service reminder light can only be reset using a special electronic tool. Disconnecting the battery will not reset the maintenance reminder light on this car. While you are at the dealership, make sure that you inform the service manager (in a nice way) that requiring a second trip to reset the service light is NOT what you paid for, and they did not meet your expectations. He should take your concerns seriously.
A check engine light (MIL in technician speak) can be reset by disconnecting the battery IF and only IF the fault recorded is intermittent. If the fault is permanent the light will come right back on.
I remember an old dodge caravan I had that had a service reminder light that could only be reset by replacing an $80 solenoid. I used electrical tape to fix that. Anyway, thanks for the help and advice, I will stop by the dealer when I get a chance.
Apparently, the piece of <Star Trek doubletalk> is still working fine, but according to some engineering spec somewhere, this thing should be replaced every XXX miles. It has not failed, it is just that the book (probably written with an eye towards the lawyers at the EPA) is overcautious. When it actually does fail, we’ll yank it out of there.
As any guy who has ever heard the word FINE from their girlfriend/spouse can attest, this word can have multiple meanings. 
I have had customers whose car barely run tell me it ran “fine”.
Anyway all car makers have to conform to the standards set by the US government concerning the diagnostic systems on modern cars. The early version of these standards (Onboard Bboard Diagnostics I) covered some components that if they were disconnected/ open circuit the MIL would light. The items covered were those considered critical to exhaust emissions. So if I disconnect the framulator valve on my Rolls Canhardly will the car run “fine?” I may not notice the change until I run an exhaust emissions test, when I find that the exhaust emissions are 200-500% higher than they should be.
The later systems (OBDII) not only cover components, but also performance. So if a part goes out of range that increases emissions, the MIL can come on. Again this is triggered by items that when out of range will cause the emissions to be higher than normal. Now since the item may not be far enough out to cause a running problem that is noticeable (particularly by a customer that may be somnambulant) the thought is that the car runs “fine” even though the emissions are several times what they should be.
Complicating this is the problem with OBDII gas cap status is monitored, and if the cap is left off, or installed incorrectly the MIL will light. So if you have an inept owner (self serve) or gas station attendant you win the prize. In this case the prize is a trip to the repair shop to have the light turned off. :smack:
Trust me, guys that repair cars don’t like MIL lights any more than you do. No customer is ever happy that their check engine light is on, and many act like it is the technician’s fault that the light is on. (Hey Mac I did not design the car OK, I just get paid to fix it)