Hello all,

New user here, hoping for some advice....

A couple of months ago I bought a '97 850 for 250$,
It was showing some wear but generally pretty good.

After a couple of weeks, the ABS light started coming on.

Then the dash lights and instruments would periodically go dead.

An arrow started showing up in the warning lights, and the transmission would act like it was slipping when starting from a stop, but periodically would resolve and work perfectly.

Then it began to run poorly for the first minute when cold, but would run fine when warm.

The lambda light (I think? The triangle + squiggle) began to come on.

Then one day last week it suddenly wouldn't start.... Would crank but zero fire. Suddenly after 20 min it was fine.

Then a couple of days ago I had shut it off for 5 min, and the same thing happened, but this time it's not curing itself. It seems to have no spark.


So.... This weekend I'm going to start to try to troubleshoot these issues.
I'm wondering how many of these are seperate issues and how many are related?

I also have a 98 v70(?) for parts, it seems to run well....

Any input greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

Wow, $250 for a whole car lol. That is just awesome.
First thing is first, Start reading the codes! Either hook up an OB2 reader or use the OB1 under the hood to get the codes. I will say since you said the car is showing some wear, to do a quick stage-zero; spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. Would probably do wonders since they are cheap, unless you know for a fact those are new( or close to new). Here are some of Robert's videos to get you going!!

 

Ok, Just found out a friend of mine has what I need to get the codes, so I'll pick that up.

 

Ignition switches are good for giving multiple problems. Also the fuel pump relay. Your car does NOT have the built on diagnostic tester.

 

Alright, so I borrowed this OTC pocketscan, and all I'm getting is:

"Link error"

I tried multiple times turning it off for ten seconds, turning it back on and pressing read.... nothing but "link error".

Any suggestions?

 

Easiest to do would either be reading the obd 1 codes under the hood, or just going to an auto store and using on of their readers. What might be a slight pain in the butt is if it is a Volvo specific code, which only them or certain scanners will pick up.

 

Well, I can't go to an auto store with it since it won't start.

So, some volvos aren't compatible with code readers?

Going to check the coil and cam sensor today....