I'm psyched as hell to say that I just closed on a 1995 850 wagon, dark teal, with third seat option, original manual,and only 90K miles. Looks like the timing belt was changed at 78K, and the Volvo dealer actually put a brand-new set of Pirelli tires on it for me (for free). I feel like I've found my dream car... here's hoping that it lasts for another 200K (with regular maintenance, of course).

While I'm at it, does anybody have suggestions for a good Volvo mechanic in the greater Philadelphia area?

Christie
knxvil@gmail.com

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Greetings.

Seems like you've had a great deal. Good for you.

As for maintenance, make sure to keep an eye on engine oil & transmission fluid/gear oil & coolant. The engines are noted for running over 300,000 miles, if proper care is taken (oil, timing belt, etc...). Castrol seems to be recommended by Volvo though I'm not sure, but use name brands' oil (10W-30) & OEM filter (MANN, made in Germany/Argentina). I myself use Valvoline synthetic blend 10W-30. If yours is turbo, I would use synthetic blend/synthetic oil, though not absolutely necessary but change @ every 3,000 miles (5,000 miles for non-turbo). If the coolant hasn't been changed in the last 3 years, I would change it.

If your transmission is auto, make sure to check for proper level & condition (should be clear red and should not have burnt odor). If manual, change the gear oil as par owner's manual.

As for a shop in your area, I couldn't tell; I only know shops in Chicago & Vermont. However, in general try to avoid generic shops and haveyour vehicleserviced at Volvo dealer or shops that specialise in Swedish/European makes. They charge more, but the additional cost is well worth it. For future questions, participate in the 850 forum in the vehicle specific section.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Hi JPN,

Thanks for your kind words. The dealer actually emailed me today to tell me they located all of the service records for the vehicle, a nice surprise, and they show that the previous owner took extra-good care of it. That's a relief, to say the least!

I'll definitely head on over to the 850 forum and check things out a little more. My boyfriend has a 1997 850 sedan (love him and love the 850s ) that must have some kind of sensor problem--the water level and service lights randomly go on and off, and he also has a problem with the dash lights burning out, although it seems to be the fuse and not the actual bulb. Our first trip this weekend will probably be to AutoZone to have them run diagnostics; I saw you suggested that to someone else, and I didn't know they did that for free.

Thanks again!

Christie

 

Hi Christie,

It is good that you have a full maintenance record. Most people neglect scheduled maintenance and wait until something breaks (whichusually costs them a lot more), but you seem quite alert so I won't worry about you.

As to your BF's water level warning light, I assume the coolant level is close to or below the MIN mark, check to see the level. If low, add 50/50 coolant mixture up to about the middle between MAX & MIN; don't add it up to the max line when the engine is cold, because otherwise the coolant will overflow from the reservoir when the engine gets hot.

Now, about the service light, is it actually the "service light" or is it "check engine light (CEL)"? I have a feeling that it may be CEL, in which case an AutoZone should be able to tell you/your BF what is causing the intermittent flashing of the light, as well as resetting it, unless it's related to emissions systems (in which case you'd have to correct the problem). If it's actually the service light, it needs to be reset (it's nothing but an oil change reminder).

As for dash lights, it may be the fuse or the bulbs. Check with your owner's manual for fuse location, and if the fuse is ok, then you'd have to replace the bulbs. The original bulbs are of 3W, but dealer wants about $5 each, so I got 5W at AutoZone and it actually improved the brightness. As to the bulb replacement, refer to the following:

https://volvoforums.com/m_58306/tm.htm

I'll be deleting the illustrations within the next 2 days, as they are courtesy of Volvo. It's probably ok since I am not making any profit out of it, but it is still theirs so I'll delete them.

I would strongly recommend that you buy a Haynes servicing manual (about $15-$20). Even if you don't do much maintenance on your own, it can answer many of your questions. The manual is not sufficient for experts, but it still has good information. The owner's manual & Haynes would answer about 70% of your questions.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,


JPN

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