Hey guys I am new here, but as a longtime multiple Volvo owner (7) I am finding the need for some online support especially during times where dollars are short [X(]I recently turned in my wifes leased 2003 V70 wagon and decided to save some money by replacing it with a cheap older wagon with cashI found a 1996 850 Turbo wagon at a volvo dealer auction for $1300. It is a really nice car and appears to have been well kept. I have been driving it for a month until 2 nights ago it started cutting out on me under heavy throttle. I limped the car home and parked ituntil the nxt morning (cold brrr) I started the car to let it warm up and all it would do is idle roughly and spit and sputter. Eventually itwould die.I repeated this several times. I gave up and left it until today.

I checked around the car and under the car. I noticed the exhaust spit out a little sooty(black) water on the ground from me reving the engine. The car revs smoothly and idles nicely for a few minutes before it starts sputtering again and then kills the motor. I have also noticed a strong fuel odor and rotten eggs! whew ! It is awful. Iremoved the oil cap and smoke comes from within the engine. It also comes out of the oil dipstick when you pull the stick out. I noticed a milky white substance on the oil cap when i removed it. The dipstick appears clean however. The check engine light came on and will not go off. The car will move on its own but you have to keep feeding the gas pedal. I have searched the sight and I have thought about fuel pumps, head gaskets, engine sensors, etc.[:-]I dont know where to start. I need to get it back going for my wife because she and the kids need it for the daily grind. Thanks in advanced for you alls help! Joe

 

Unplug the Mass Flow sensor and see if the car idles smooth.

 

How do I unplug it? I am just learning to "do it urself" these days. Is it on top of the filter box? Thanks again.

 

It attaches to the top half of the air box. Unplug the plug going to it. The engine computer will go into what they call a "Limp Home mode" which will make it idle good but not drive all that good. Also you can try plugging it back in with it running and see if it stalls when you connect it.

It will also set a code for it.

 

well that smoothed it out some however it still would not idle but for just a few seconds. The surging and the sputtering stopped. Do I need to replace it or can it be cleaned? Thanks

 

You can try cleaning it.
You might also have another problem.
Can you get ahold of fuel pressure guage to connect to the car.

 

I will check with our mechanic at work on Monday. The car finally would idle after a few tries. It never acts the same way twice. The car revved perectly when unplugged. I could take in on and off and notice the difference immediately.

 

Then that might be the problem. See if you can locate a used one to try. Turbo and Non-turbo ones should be the same.

 

Thanks for the help tech. I guess you are having a lazy day after t giving dressing? hence the quick responses.. Thanks again Joe

 

Sorry but not really a lazy day. I am out of work! I wish I was working tired of being home.

Also 3 kids running around all day it cannot be a lazy day. LOL

 

I would also inquirethe following peoplefor:

- Your wife (if so equipped) forgetting to take eggs out the car after grocery shopping...[8D]
- Your kids (if applicable) playing with eggs in the car and forgetting to clean up...[8D]
- Your pissed-off neighbour (of course they are pissed off after seeing so many Volvos in your driveway; I would be[8D]) maliciously leaving rotten eggs somewhere in the wheel well...[8D]
- >but as a longtime multiple Volvo owner (7).....GIVE IT[8D]!!!

This may be of a ref:
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/maf_secure.php

And my 1st & 2nd replies at this thread may be of some use:
https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm


JPN

 

Thanks guys! if it will ever stop this cold rain here in Ga I am going to get outside and give your ideas a shot. Thanks again. I found a used one on Ebay for cheap. After cleaningmine up if that does not work I will replace it.

 

Good for you. Please let us know how it goes.


JPN

 

What part of Georgia are you in???
You can PM if you do not want to post...

 

Hey guys the wagon lives![8D]The help here and fast response to a new member was great advise! I went to Voluparts in Atlantalast week and bought a used sensor for $100 and changed it in my driveway in about an hour. Runs like a scalded dogI could not be happier and so is my wife she hates drivin the Hyundai.....Dont blame her really. Thanks again for the solid advise.

outdoor7or24 I am located in Dalton, Ga and work in Atlanta. Season Greetings everyone![sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

Glad it is all good now!!!