I drive (drove?) a 94 volvo 850 turbo. Tonight my friend needed a boost for his truck and i said sure i'll help. He connected the jumpers and everytime he attached the cables my car would die. He told me to keep trying and I said fine one more time but then I'm done. And it didnt boost him. So I went to start my car up and pull away and it wasnt starting too well (normal for a boost i thought?) later on i got back in to go home and as soon as i put it in gear it slowed down and my up button (winter mode) showed up on the dash and next all of the trouble lights came on, it stalled. I restarted it and tried again and it hopped down the street like the gears were slipping (like a new standard driver, but my car is auto) and it repeated. It did it again until I tried to restart and it made a very loud jerky noise and quit. The whole car is screwed up now and after having two mechanics look at it and no conclusion we towed it behind my dads truck home. I dont think it's a coincidence that it decided to quit today when it's been running amazing for the last however long i've had it. This is my first car and it's my birthday and I really need help. I havent been to volvo yet.

 

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but sounds like your friend likely either hooked up the jumpers incorrectly, or his battery was just a dead short. In any case sounds like his truck drew too much current from your car.

It likely damaged one or more of the following components:

1. Battery and/or cables
2. Alternator
3. One or more of a number of control modules within the vehicle...

Unless you are good with diagnosing electrical/electronic issues, you're going to need to take it to someone who knows volvos and is good with electrical problems.

 

Maybe your alternator?

Sounds like it put itself into what's called "limp home mode." This is where when the car detects an error that could cripple the car, it protects itself.

Have your alternator tested. If you can take it out, take it to a chain auto parts store such as Advance Auto, Auto Zone, O'Reilly, etc.

A new battery wouldn't hurt either. Could your friend have attached the cables improperly?

Best of luck