About 3 weeks ago, I bought a 1993 850 GLT with 120k miles on it for commuting to work. It drove fine when I was shopping it and it was within my budget. I bought it from a small town dealer, with no warranty (sold as-is).

The following week I took it to a nearby Volvo dealer because it had stalled on me one morning on the way to work. The engine sputtered, then all the dash lights came on and the engine quit. It did this while I was going 60mph down the freeway. At first I thought maybe the alternator was going bad. I pulled over, turned off all the electrical items, put the car in park, turned off the ignition. But it started back up immediately. I didn't even wait 10 seconds. I resumed my trip and everything was fine. The trip home that evening was without incident, and it started right up again.

The Volvo dealer looked it over and determined that the car had not had any regular scheduled maintenance for a long time. After $2,200 in work, they assured me that the stalling problem was fixed. They said the computer reported the Mass Air Flow sensor was bad, and they replaced it. Also, it turned out that someone had put a sticker over the Check Engine Light (a previous owner apparently) and this light was staying on full-time. They also replaced the timing belt; fixed an oil leak; replaced all the filters and plugs; rotated and balanced the tires, and other issues. Afterwards it ran great for about a week.

This week, however, I have had 4 instances of it stalling on me. I have had probably 10 instances total since I bought it. Each time, it was in a different situation. I can't pin it down to the weather, the terrain, the speed, or anything. This week, however, I noticed the Check Engine light stays on for the first 1-2 minutes when I start the car. To combat it, I'm letting the car idle and warm up before I take off. Tonight before leaving the office parking lot, though, the car stalled while I was waiting on it to warm up. It almost didn't restart either. It also seems to idle a bit rough when at a standstill like this.

Also, I'm on my second tank of gas since buying it, and it seems to be using up too much gas on this 2nd tank. My first tank was premium, this 2nd tank is mid-grade. The dealer mechanic suggested I bought a cheap brand of fuel the first time that might be causing it. I doubted him but just to see I bought gas at a 77 station this time like he suggested. For example, the trip odometer has only recorded about 55 miles so far and I filled it up but the gas gauge is around 14-15 gallons already. Is this typical?

I REALLY need some suggestions or advice on how to get this stalling problem fixed. The dealer wants to keep it for a day to see if they can get it to do it to them. I left it with them for a bit on Tuesday morning, and they said the computer is not reporting any errors. It's a major safety concern to me that I cannot trust my car to get me down the freeway safely. I'm scared I might be driving one night and can't get over to the shoulder in time. Thank god for rush hour crawl in the evenings.

I am not a mechanic but I understand how engines work (had to learn how to work on my car when in high school).

 

Welcome.

The check engine light is on because it is telling you something.
I believe you have OBD1. There should be a black box next the the ECU box on the left side in the engine bay.
Like this (pic from VADIS):

Pull the codes and see what it says. Here is how to pull the codes and gives a table of what the codes are: http://www.troublecodes.net/Volvo/
Report back after you check the codes.

 

+1

 

I'm new with this stuff and also with my Volvo. First car I've ever owned and I'm 50 (Chicago, New York, London sort of living pattern.).

My issue, which sounds like yours, was some sort of sensor in the engine. It was replaced and I have had no problems since. I'm here at the library without my notes so I can't be more specific.

 

Thank you for the response. This week I had a new ignition switch installed. We determined (the dealer and I, both from checking and experience) that the original one was worn out. My key ring was rather heavy with other keys, and the switch had become so worn out that the keys swinging from the car's movement would turn the ignition switch back just enough to shut off the engine. The dealer checked the codes - nothing is being reported. The Service light now stays on for the first 1-2 minutes of the car's operation. I wait for it to turn off before I take off, but the dealer said it's a junk light at this point - said it's not connected to anything?

Then on Wednesday, I had to suddenly break when the traffic light changed on me. The car stalled then. Also, starting this week, my fuel mileage has become awful. I've traveled 200 miles on 12 gallons of gas. That's 16mpg. Even though gas is cheaper now, that is still awful mileage. Before all my repair work it was closer to 20-25mpg. I think their tune up may have overtuned things.

Because this car is turning into a money pit, I've decided to see if I can sell it now and recoup most of my money (I know I won't get it all back) and try a different brand/make altogether.

Thanks again to everyone for your help. Maybe this thread will help another owner in the future.

 

A new fuel pump relay solved that same problem for my '94 850.

 

Sorry to hear of your problems. Volvo's are good brand and very good and reliable cars 95% of the trime. It sounds like you got one that had been neglected for a long time and is the major reason for your troubles. Good luck with whatever you decide to do