96 850glt

just became owner of this little jewel...just over 100,000 miles one
owner..non smoker...all recommended factory services performed as
required...car is flawless! trying to get a handle on what problems
might lie ahead...and approx miles that failure/necessary replacement
might be expected...i just read of an automatic transmission problem
potential...and something about a seat heater campaign..i know there was
some kind of a fuel take recall performed..and understand the evap coil
has a tendency to go...[wondering if they all do it or just those
certain ones...]...please feel free to add your experiences and
knowledge on this model...i would also like to know if there is a site
where i can check official recalls on the vehicle. it is a usa version.

regards

 

On Wed, 06 Jul 2005 22:22:07 -0400,

Good car. Here are the things you should look out for:
a) As you've pointed out - the A/C evaporator.
b) Volvo didn't have a recommended mileage at which the transmission
fluid had to be replaced, so many 850 owners don't both with this.
I would recommend a flush every 20K - 30K miles.
c) The timing belt has to be replaced every 70K miles. If it wasn't
done, do it immediately, and at the same time replace the water
pump.

 

Another thing that I forgot. It is not uncommon for the rear seal
to require replacement especially for '93 - '96 850s.

 

We bought a 97 2 yrs ago with 90ish.
Problems:
1) Front brake rotors warped--dealing with it, will do pads and rotors
when the pads get down.
2) ABS failed--I was unable to get the ABS unit out--it just seemed that
I was stripping the torx, so I said forget it and when I next had the car in
for service, which turned out to be for inspection I had them pull it for
me--sent it to Mr. Rocha in cali, yet to get it back, but many others have
been quite happy with his work.
3) A/C is not cold anymore on >90 degree days, dealing with it, perhaps a
repair next year...hope not the evap!
4) When it gets way colder overnight from the previous temp, say a delta
of 40 or 50 degrees F it does not deal and it is very hard to start. The
Volvo garage (not a dealer) where we bought it used said thats a 850 problem
and you can throw a lot of money at it to no avail. Deal with it and be
careful to crank for 5-10 then sit for 15 of 20 to avoid burning the starter
out! Once it adjusts it starts faine even at -10F!
5) Be werry werry careful not to spill into the power window control
console--$500 I am told!
6) I had the ATF changed, but without good service the tran$ can co$t a
lot to fix.

Basicly a fine safe reasonable ride. I cruise it at 85 no problem on trips
and get mid to high 20ish mpg, wife uses it as her day to day and in traffic
with her led foot she gets 17 MPG on high test. OUCH!

Enjoy the car, its a good buy!

 

Who is this Rocha guy? I have a '96 850 and the ABS is intermittant. Is
this a conputer issue and can he fix it by sending him the module? What
does he charge? My Volvo repair shop mentioned about $700 I think at one
time to replace the computer.

Thanks.

 

It's an ABS control unit issue. Vic does a terrific job, and he
will even provide you with the torx wrench you need to get the ABS
control unit out.

Around $150 including shipping. You will be driving your car for a
week without the ABS control unit.

Beverly

 

Thank you, Beverly. I will check it out.