I have a 96 850 glt...recently started bogging and releasing an odor (not a fuel odor) while driving long distances in hot weather and will stall when i come to a stop. So far it will start back up but will still bog down unless i let it set for a few minutes before restarting but that is not always an option. Yesterday the bogging was almost continueous and so was the odor. By the time I was in a safe place to pull my car over to turn it off for a bit I was feeling light headed so I assume the odor is some kind of fume. I was told that the problem is possibly my catalytic converter but due to the cost of one I would like some feedback before I spend the money. I appreciate any help I can get

 

Did you have the AC on? Lot's of things that could cause engine to bog.

Who told you it needs a cat? There are ways test a cat to see if it's clogged before you replace it.

 

Is there any chance you are leaking coolant- a bad heater core inside the cab can make some noxious stench and give you a hella headache.

 

gdog....No AC on (unfortunately it doesn't work)....my dad is the one who mentioned the cat...he builds older cars so I know that he has plenty of car knowledge but volvos are not in his line of cars that he usually works on.

Vilenica....I thought about the coolant but my levels are fine and the car temp has been running perfect so far...this problem has been occuring for about 2 weeks now so if that was the problem there should be some change in those right?