Hi, I am a newbie here on the forum and need some help on my 95 850 GLT. It has 196 K or close to it, odometer won't work, another story, but a year or so ago it died on me and would not start. I thought it was the battery as the battery in it was at least 5 years old or more so I purchased a new one. It wouldn't hold a charge and I took it back and got it replaced. I have had the electrical system i.e. alt.; battery; starter, sensors checked out on a computer by an independent garage and everything checks out OK except the odometer sensor, which I knew was gone. It will not hold a charge more than a couple of days, but the engine still has plenty of pep and sounds strong when it is running! Can anyone maybe shed a light on what it might be? Thanks, bc in KY
p.s. I have basically parked the 850 and bought a Cherokee that I have been driving, but with $4 gas I would sure like to solve my Volvo dilemma.

 

My guess is that you have a high parasitic draw, the most likely culprit is the lamp in the glovebox. Use and ammeter across the battery terminal and start yanking fuses (You will need your radio code).

The odometer sensor thing has me confused. The car won't even run at all without a crankshaft position sensor signal. My guess is that your odometer gear broke - particularly if your speedometer works.

A timing belt change at 120K is imperative. You can yank your real mileage out of - I think - port A-7.

Larger than a 2 point font helps us old guys read your posting - Its not like I am JRL and I bold everything but at 49 my eyes suck.

...Lee

 

Your problem could also be a bad positive terminal.
Check voltage the alt. is putting out with the car running. Then see at the battery. See how much of a difference there is. If there is about .25 to .50 a volt difference stick the meter probe in the wire just before the terminal and see how much there. Also another sign of a bad terminal is after the car has been running for about 5-10 minutes if you touch the positive terminal it will BURN you.

If that is all fine do a parasitic draw test.

 

Thanks ozark Lee, I have a mechanic friend who has told me he would tackle this for me, and I'll try to help. I'm not a mechanic and have been hesitant to take it to a dealer,as they would probably charge more than the thing is worth to fix it. We'll try it anyhow, much appreciated, bc in Ky.