Hey all. Just got my '95 960 4 dr 6 cylinder back from the dealer yesterday-- $900 ---- tranny work, temp guage work,65.000 service. Went in with orange arrow on dash lit up-- tranny speed control or something. And the check engine lite on. Code came back fuel control unit $900 for the part. The guy cleaned it and thought that might fix it. I would like your thoughts on that, like could that work. When I got it back last night there were no lights on, Today the check engine lite is back on you guessed it the fuel control unit. I can't take it any more. This car has cost me $12000 since it went off warrantee. Its only got 65,000 on it. What is the least expensive way to fix this nightmare. Where can I get this part as inexpensively as possible. Does anybody out there have one I could buy. Take pity on me please.Thanks

 

Rule Number 1: Never take your car to a dealer for routine repairs. They will gauge you at no time. I learned that lesson after 21 years of owning and driving 1983, 740 Turbo Diesle. 1987 740 Turbo. and 1996, 960 (what you have).

I just replaced my ignition unit for less then $120 parts ($40) & labor ($75) with a local Swedish Car mechanics. Dealer would have charged me perhaps $520. Because it was involved with removing the streering wheel, which it took only 4 screws to do.
I suggest you, Always find a local garage, which specializes in Swedish Auto repaires. Their Technicians know lot more about these cars then the dealers. These Garages have access (with fee) to the same information to schematics and installation instructions, as dealers themselves have. And they sell you genuine volvo parts the same price as dealers do.

You take your car to dealers ONLY for warrenty repair.

 

Joneq.
It sound like your Transsmission switch has gone bad. If that is the case, the switch should not cost more then $120 - $140 + 2 hour labor. (In CA labore charge is ($90/ Hour).

On my 1996, 960 Volvo, the lights on the xmission were blinking back and forth. in addition to the "service" light being ON.
It turned out to be the Trasmission switch had mulfanctioned.

Like my previous post, I suggest you to take the car to local Garage which specializes in Volvos, and have them run a diagnostics on your trasmission. This is a plug located on the armrest to the left of your parking brake. Remove the cover and you will see the socket there. This where the diagnostic system hooks up. It checks only the transmission though. After that, the Mechanic will be able to tell you precisely which part had failed.

good luck

 

Thanks for reply. I had a guy who knew volvos inside out. He retired at 42 years old. a millionaire. He really didn't charge that much less than the dealer did, but you could take it to him and he would get you on the road quick. I'm gonna look around for another one like you suggest.