Base trim, automatic, 112000 miles, $3200, new tires. The previous owner took good care of the car and kept up with all scheduled maintanence.

It's my first car, and I'm happy with it.

Here are the issues:
1. Check engine light was on, but the previous owner said that it was just a problem with the fuel cap, his mechanic replaced it and reset the light before I purchased it. Is it likely that was the only problem?
2. The ABS module needs to be replaced. I was told that it would cost $300-400 to have a mechanic do it. How much does the part cost, and how difficult would it be to do it myself?
3. When the wheel is turned all the way to the left or right, the power steering makes a noise. Worth worrying about?
4. The front passenger window goes down, but is tempermental about going back up. Probably a loose wire, right? And, where should I be looking?

I won't have the car in my possession until next Monday, so I won't be able to provide much more information for now.

 

Quarterdimenickel,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new car.

1. A loose gas cap will trigger a CEL.

2. You can get the ABS module fixed for $100 here: http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/...S_feedback.htm

3. Sorry, can't help you there.

4. How temperamental is it? Maybe the motor has to be changed or the system has to be lubricated. Maybe the mechanism was disassembled and not reassembled correctly. You probably have to disassemble the door panel to inspect more thoroughly.

Regards
AxelM

 

On the 15-minute test drive I took, I rolled the window all the way down (and eventually, back up) twice. Both times I had to pull the window control up about 10 times before it did anything.

I forgot to ask the owner about it, but to the left of the tape player was a button the said CD. I pressed it out of curiosity, and the letters appeared on the stereo's display screen. Does the car have a CD player in it, or was that something else?

 

Look in your trunk. Maybe you have a six disc CD changer.

What's a window control? Do you mean the button that is in the center console?

Regards

 

Yeah, I mean the button. I couldn't think of what to call it.

I'll check for the CD changer when I pick the car up. The dashboard looked stock though, and I don't think CD changers were offered with these cars.

 

My 96 850 T5 came with a CD changer in the trunk. It was not working so I got rid of it.

 

Also, you can purchase a rebuilt ABS module for around $130 bucks. Like axelm said, rebuilding the unit, costs around $69-$100 shipped on eBay.

Go to an autozone and get the code read, so that you don't speculate on what might be wrong.

 

Hi,

As to the steering, almost all cars make some form of noise if turned to L or R limit. Do not try to force it further. When you hear the noise, that means you have reached the limit.

As to the "CD" button, it was just a pre-wired switch for the optional CD player.

If you wish to keep your 850 going for a long time, here's a good info:

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Good luck with your new machine.


JPN

 

Thanks for all the help so far.

I picked the car up last night, and filled it with gas. I drove it about a mile, and then the car sat for a few hours. When I got back in it to start the 70-mile trip home, the "Check Engine" light came on.

Does this sound like it could be the fuel cap? When I put the cap back on, I tightened it until it clicked once.

I also pulled out the ABS fuse and put it back in the box, and the ABS warning light has been off since then. Is it possible that the light was on just because the fuse was a little loose?

Thanks.

 

Have the car scanned at Autozone and post the codes here.

 

I took it to a place called "SpeeDee Oil Change And Tune Up" to get it checked out and have all the fluids topped off.

The code for the Check Engine light is p0455, for an evaporator leak. They also recommended changing the serpentine belt.

But then they pointed out something else that worried me. The previous owner apparently hit a curb with the right-rear wheel. The hubcap was dented and the sidewall of the tire got a bit of a scrape. I've heard enough stories about people who totalled their cars after a tire blew out, so I'm very nervous about this.

 

Evaporator or evap valve (part of the emissions system)?

 

Hi,

First of all, I would not take Volvo to generic shops; I wouldn't even let them change oil. Those places are usually for entry-level technicians and they may top off fluids with wrong type of fluids, especially for transmission & brake fluids. I hate to put other businesses down, but I hate it more if my car, something as nice as a Volvo, would get screwed up.

The A/C related codes would not turn CEL on, so I believe it is Evaporative Emissions code. There is only one component within the system that has electrical connection, according to the factory manual so it is either the component is failing or other problems are signaling the component to turn on CEL. Have it checked at a Volvo dealer or an independentshop that specialises in Swedish/European makes. I know they charge more, but the added cost is worth it, except if you go to a dealer you need to know what you're talking about, or they'll see you as a prey.

As to serpentine belt, visually check to see if there are frayed portion or large cracks. Small superficial cracks are allowed. If it squeals, replace it with OEM belt (Continental Tech).

As to the tyre, I cannot judge from the pic as it is not very clear. If the damage on the sidewall looks bad enough for you, then you may want to replace it with a new tyre, but I personally would replace both sides as if new tyre is mounted only on one side, it may affect handling and screw up tread wear. If the wheel is dented as well, replace it too. You could perhaps find another hub cap at a junk yard. Until you replace the tyre(s), keep the correct tyre pressure but the damage in the pic doesn't look serious, I wonder if you can provide us with better quality pics.

In case if the tyre happens to burst while driving (though I doubt it would happen, judging from the size of the damage in the pic), apply brakes lightly and keep the heading of the car as straight as you can, unless you have to avoid something right in front of you.

I hope this helps.


JPN

 

Thanks for all the info. I took the car to a place that sells tires, and they said that it was just superficial damage.

The mechanic said that the problem was an evap leak, and I just (wrongly) assumed that evap stood for evaporator. The mechanics at the shop that I took it to were friendly and seemed to know what they were doing with my car. They only used fluids that were recommended by Volvo.

I have three more questions regarding maintenance:
1. What kind of screwdriver is required to replace the plate lights?
2. My right headlight wiper is broken. While I was checking things out under the hood, I noticed that the electric cable leading to it was disconnected (sorry, I suck at using the correct terminology). When I plugged it back in and started the car, the wiper began to make noise, but failed to move. Is it's motor burnt out? If so, how much would it cost and where can I find a replacement?
3. The switch for Winter Mode is broken. This isn't going to be a big deal for a while, but where could I find one of these?

 

Sorry for the double-post, but this is of a slightly different subject than the last one.

After driving 20 miles on the highway, I stopped for 15 minutes at a local health club. When I got back in the car, I noticed that it smelled like gasoline. I drove 5 miles to my house, turned off the engine, and walked around towards the rear. I could smell gas near the left part of the car, above the exhaust. I proceeded to open the trunk, and it too was gasoline-scented.

Could this be the "evap leak"?

EDIT: Actually, it smells just as strongly at the right-rear part of the car.

 

+1

 

p0455

I'm assuming this is the code you're looking for?

 

Could very well be the gas cap cross threaded.

That is an evap system code.
Tank system.

 

If that's the problem, do I just have to replace the gas cap?

 

Make sure you didn't just put it on wrong.
Sometimes it feels like it is on good but it isn't.
When it threads on it will turn about 3 times before seating.