Hi Everybody,

I a new Proud owner of a '97 850 GLT. I fly out Wednesday to AZ to pick it up and drive back to MD. Any advise on the 2400 mile trip?

Thanks for letting me join, and I look forward to many years of enjoying my new 850. any way new to me, LOL

David

 

Forgot to mention the ABS light is on, any clues as to the fix, or is it a dealer thing?

Thanks again,

David

 

Welcome

I would seriously have that car looked over before you drive that far of a distance. Just for the pure fact of having peace of mind that if everything is ok then great if they find something at least they found it now and not later when your a quarter of the way or half way on your trip and the car breaks down.

 

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find it useful & enjoyable.

Before the 2,400-mile trip, make sure that all fluids are in good condition & at proper levels. Also, if the timing belt has not been changed within the last 70,000 miles or 5 years, I would take the cover off and visually inspect for cracks. If you see even the smallest crack, I would not take it for the drive.

Also, check for all exterior light bulbs and replace if necessary. Check the tyre pressure and correct. Check to see if the car has full servicing record. Upon arrival, I would give it a full tune-up and go over everything to make sure. Please note, that the most popular cause of break downs or problems are due to neglect & ignored scheduled maintenance. Many people seem to want to save $300 now and pay $1,000 later.

The ABS module is known to fail on 850s, but luckily since the 850 you're buying is of '97, there are a few places that repair & upgrade the module for about $100, excluding shipping. It is worth the money. When you come back from the trip, please do in-forum search for the ABS module info.

Good luck & drive safe.


JPN

 

Thanks all for the advise. I do know the timing belt was changed at 72K. It has 86K on it now. I will definately check it over completly prior to my leaveing for my trip. Planning on approx 14 hrs driving the first day and 10 hrs the next, and 10 the last. It will then go into the local shop for another fluid change and pull the abs module to ship it out for repair and upgrade.

I'm very excited about this vehicle and looking forward to many years behind the wheel.

Thanks Again,

Happy Daddy

 

take lots of music with you. and welcome, have a fun trip,

 

ABS Repair Services FYR:

http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/

http://www.autoecu.com./

Have a safe trip,


JPN

 

Thanks JPN,

I did a search and found the link to the 1st site and made it a favorite. I'll send it to him as soon as I return, I'll need it repaired to get the safety inspection here in MD.

Thanks again.

 

Well I fly out tomorrow in the AM to pick up my new to me 850 GLT. Then the adventure starts with the 2400 mile trip. Wish me Luck. I'll post in the 850 page when I get back on Saturday. Well the post will happen on Sunday. Got my Ipod with 4k songs loaded and ready to go, LOL

 

Just a quick update to everyone, well I made it with no problems at all. 2400 miles in 3 days from the deserts of AZ to the shore or MD. Car is great with some minor little issues that will keep me busy for a bit. Thanks all for your advise it really helped out.

 

Glad you had a safe trip and love the car.

 

Marvelous!


JPN