Hi all, I'm new to the forum, but after doing some reading here I think this is exactly what I need - you are a very knowledgable group…

I'm considering buying a 1997 850 T-5 AWD 5-spd Wagon, a combination that I had no idea actually existed. 224 000km, ABS module has been replaced, timing belt has been replaced, and the seller claims to have service records available, which I will be reviewing carefully for regular service (hopefully 5000km intervals.) I haven't looked at or driven it yet, but I will do so this week - if it passes my inspection I'll take it to the stealership for a detailed pre-purchase inspection.

One thing I'm somewhat concerned about is the Lambda light being on, according to the seller. The owner hasn't noticed any performance symptoms since the light came on. I asked whether he had pulled the codes - he hasn't but was told by the dealership, and I quote, that "the mass air flow meter or turbo pressure regulator need replacing."

This is obviously speculation, but this maybe indicates that the codes pulled were 1-2-1 or 4-1-4, based on the DTC listed in another post.

Obviously I'll have mofe info after driving & having it inspected, but is there anything I can do on-site to diagnose the above problem?

Thanks for any help, I look forward to getting more info up after the test drive.

 

Just to make sure, you really need to have that car inspected. The early AWD systems were prone to expensive problems from what I understand. Walk away if you notice mismatched tires. Apparently that can be the death-knell for that car's transfer case. At 200,000 km, a thorough inspection for that powertrain, but a very hot car if all checks out.

 

Hmmmm, after a little more research it appears the AWD 850 is a pretty rare vehicle - maybe not available in the US at all?

Anybody have any specific input on checking danger signs for the AWD system? The mismatched tread wear is a good point - thanks.

 

Just so you know, I don't know how it is in Europe, but I'm 90% sure that your car won't let you read the DTC readings. Your car should be OBD-II only and for more advanced codes, you need a Volvo Scan Tool.