Hello,

This is my first post on the site and just wondered if I could get some help! I have a Volvo 850 GLT 12 years old which is having major problems starting. It takes a few attempts of starting then finally kicks into life after about the 4th or 5th try and the car generally shakes at this point. I then have to keep the revs high for about 5 minutes until it manages a steady idle. Also the lambda-sond warning symbol is constantly on now.

I took it to the garage and they said the flywheel sensor needed replaced so they replaced it - this fixed the problem for that day but the day after the problem had returned. Has anyone had this problem before? Can anyone tell me what's going on?

Thank you!!!

 

Greetings from Yokohama, Japan.

If the problem has returned within such a short period of time, the shop might have misdiagnosed the problem. Try retrieving codes stored in the ECU (Electronic Control Unit: on-board engine control computer module). If your 850 is of 1995 model, you can do this by yourself, no special tool is required; just some knowledge & instructionson how to access the computer. I'll leave you with some URLs that may be of help, but since this section of the forum is for greetings, post the same question in the 850 section, as people there have better knowledge on 850s than those from other model sections.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a2.html
http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/cha...ic.php?t=10758(scroll down to A2 – Fuel System)

When choosing a shop, I would highly recommend a Volvo dealer or shops that specialise in Swedish/European makes. I know they charge more than average garages, but the additional cost is well worth it.

Anyway, read the instructions on how to retrieve codes from the ECU and write down the codes you find, reset (clear) the codes and see if the same code (s) return. That will narrow down the problem. If you need an assistance with code retrieving procedure, ask those in the 850 section; those gentlemen would be happy to help you. Note, that the codes may be different for turbo and non-turbo engines so specify your engine (there is a black plastic cover on the left-end of the engine as you look into the engine compartment, and there should be a sticker (label) that says something like "B5234T", "B5254S", etc...).

Cheers,


JPN

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/A7AA1423336242C9891D5A8F53D27FAE.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thank you! Going back to the Volvo garage on Monday so hopefully......

Also gorgeous picture - I'm actually from Edinburgh!

 

My pleasure, I wish you the best of luck with the repair. At Volvo garage, act like you knowsome thingsabout your car so that it's less likely that you would be taken. A conscientious shop/technician, however,should be happy toexplain toyou/show you exactly what the problem is.

I am assuming that the problem could be due to imminently-needed tune-up/scheduled maintenance, faulty Throttle Position Sensor, Idle Air Valve, the Throttle Body requiring cleaning, etc... It could be anything, but the Volvo garage should be able to tell you what the car needs, after they check for codes.

Scotland has one of the most beautiful landscapes I know of. I also like Scotch whiskey, especially those distilled in Low Land region.

Cheers,


JPN

[IMG]local://upfiles/6892/B5FB9E81C5AC470380BB1547ECEEF7AD.jpg[/IMG]

 

I'll let you know how I get on. I'm quite fortunate in that I have a reasonable knowledge of cars so hopefully they won't try and blag me off!

By the way: Balvenie, Bruidladdich and Laphroaig are a few really nice single malts. It's strong stuff!!

Thanks again

 

Hi Scotsgirl,

I hope your car is ok now. If not, give us a buzz.


Cheers,


JPN