After owning MBs all my life, I bought a 960 to ensure it was well cared for.

However, while working on the 960, I camne across a neglected 850 that is like an abused puppy and I took it i9n (or it sucke3red me in!!).

It is a jet black 1996 850 turbo with manual transmission, 240K miles but runs and shifts smoothly!

The guy who owned it should never be allowed to ride anything more complex than a tricycle! He bought it then parked it in front of his house in December and left it there until this week.

Here's a partial list of items found so far that need attention:

1. Steering column loose
2. Driver's side strut needs replacement
3. Multiple small plastic trim parts missing
4. Needs either battery, cables, voltage regulator or alternator-- or all four
5. Seller said previous owner had had new timing and serp belt installed. I should be able to tell about the timing belt, since there's usually a record of changes on the cover, right? There are no records anywhere else with the car.
6. Starter occasionally whines and does not engage, which sounds like a solenoid to me.
7. AC does not work and blower motors appear dead. Could it just be fuses?

Other than changing all fluids and all filters, and checking brakes, replacing all plugs and wires, what else would you suggest?

I am a little concerned about the loose steering column.

All comments of a helpful nature appreciated, as I scour the DIYs for 859 info

Two other questions:

1. What lube for the transmission and for the power steering?
2. What about coolant? The ZEREX stuff G-05 or the new Volvo total phosphate free? Do Volvo DIYers ever flus the coolaing system with citric acid, like MB recommends?

I know I asked a lot of questions but you will discover that I will assist as much as I request.

Thanks again.

 

Sounds like a nice ride, I've been waiting for a manual 850 turbo to buy in my area. Welcome to the club.

I would start by reading the manual. If it's not in the car (or the glove box is stuck) they are available on the volvocars website under help & support at the bottom of the page. Some of your questions will be answered there.

Then I would become familiar with Robert DIY on YouTube. Watch his "before you buy" and "things to do after purchase" videos. They are pretty informative and may answer more of your questions or lead to more questions...

I would also become familiar with a Volvo dealers parts ordering website. I've gone through a few of the dealer sites and they have all looked and acted the same. They generally have a diagram at the top with all parts for what you are looking at numbered and listed by name. The diagram helps finding missing/broken parts, how stuff is put together and what it's called.

Post your progress, enjoyment, frustrations and questions.

Best of luck.

 

Thanks for the info. I am still most interested in the possible issue with the steering column.

 

Some useful URLs
Volvo 850 service & repair manual
https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/se...enanceInfo.pdf

For the steering column, reach under and find the pull down handle on the left side under the stalk - push down to release and adjust the height and push back up to secure. See if you can find a height that will lock down.

As for fluids, power steering uses any "quality ATF" fluid. My Haynes manual shows the Auto transmission fluid as Dextron/Mercon III (Dextron is the GM and Mercon is the Ford/Chrysler versions of the same specification). Double check your owners manual to be sure. For the coolant - use a "green" ethylene glycol based fluid that is aluminum friendly. Avoid the orange "Dexcool" fluids as they have silicates which can gum up a radiator. If your coolant is brown, a clear demineralized water flush is best - assuming you are not having cooling problems.

For the timing belt, look to see if somebody marked on the motor (ie with a magic marker etc). You can also pop off the timing belt cover - it has a single 12mm nut and slides up and off. Check for any cracks in the belt rubber to be sure and look for any leaking from the water pump or cam/crank seals - most recommend a new water pump ever other job and new tensioners/idlers in each job so if those parts look clean you're good to go.

In terms of the battery/alternator etc. Do a simple voltage check. 12.5 or so car off. If the car starts (say after a jump ) check the voltage at idle - should be 14.1 or so. Throw on the blower, rear defrost, high beams - volts at the battery should stay over 13.

Word of caution - before you remove the battery terminals to clean them up, make sure you have the radio code if you have the factory radio. It may be written in the owners manual or on a card in the glove box etc. If not, slide the radio out by pressing the two tabs and slide out to see if somebody was kind enough to write the code on top. Otherwise its a call to the dealer with the VIN to get the code.

Back to the starter - if the car doesn't start with a jump, try cleaning the battery posts and cable ends on the ground and at the starter. Check for any heat on the cables after trying to start and look for any melted insulation. I doubt you'd need all three - probably needs a battery if its over 5 years old anyways but could be a starter as well. Some suggest a wack with a hammer to see if that gets the starter to engage :-)

 

Thanks for the info.
The radio is a replacement, but works ok even though I'm not a fan of all electronic radios when I don't have a manual.

Still checking out the other systems.

BTW does anyone ever flush out their engine's cooling system use citric acid?

 

It may take a little figuring to determine what exactly is loose about the steering column. If you need one, I have two spares. I crushed a couple of these cars. But on the other hand, it may just be some bolts loose.