Picked up my 95 850 turbo with 120,000 miles 3 weeks ago and absolutley love it, I've actually put about 1200 miles on it already.
I take it to the local Volvo dealership, this is my first Volvo so it was my first time there. I asked the mgr to take it for a ride just to see what he thought of it, he said it ran great, very tight and that with reg maintainence I should easily get another 100k out of it.
So I take it back the other day for an inspection and have him turn off the "check engine" light. The mechanic calls me and tells me that 5 codes are on, and that it was going to be expensive to correct them all. It would have to be by process of elimination and they might have to send the computer back to Sweden to be fixed. Then he tells me the '94 850's were the worst car Volvo ever made and that I got ripped off ( I paid $3700 for the car) and that I should demand my money back.
Here are the codes he pulled:
522 - rear 02 (I had him replace it)
212 - long term fuel trim
153 - rear 02
433 - KS sensor
241 - EGR system

I love the car and it's ran flawless since I bought it. I fact I just got back from a 500 mile roundtrip this weekend and it purred like a kitten.

Can anyone help me with these codes? Do I need to get all of the codes fixed? Did I get ripped off? I love the car and it runs so well I don't feel like it did.

 

I would simply clear the codes and see if the check engine light comes back on. At first look, all these codes are somewhat related, and one issue (especially fuel and emissions) can trigger multiple codes.

Look in the FAQ section and I believe there is a write up on howe to read the codes and clear them yourself. Codes on the 1994 and 1995's can be cleared without any special tools.

As for getting ripped off, $3700 for a 1995 850 Turbo with only 120,000 miles is a good deal in my book (Unless it has been seriously abused in its past life). Fix the issues you have, treat it to regular maintenance, synthetic oil,and decent fuel and you should be able to get at least another 100,000 miles out of it

 

Wait, do you have a '95 or '94?

 

Typo - I have a 1994

 

I would just drive as is, if it's running fine. 850's self-diagnostic is a bit too sensitive and throws codes for negligible reasons. However, the O2 sensors are noted for failure after a while, so they may have to be replaced. Since it's a '95 model (or did you say '94?), you can retrieve codes by yourself with no testers/tools. Reset CEL and see what codes would come back.

The EGR may just need cleaning, or the electrical connectors & vacuum hoses need inspection. If the same code comes back after cleaning/inspection, it may need to be replaced but some people just deactivate it (may be illegal in some states).

Code 212 should be:Front O2 signal
Codes for Long Term Fuel Trim should be:231/232/233
Code 433: Rear Knock Sensor Signal

Did the car come with full service records? If not, you never know if it was maintained properly or if the previous owner followed scheduled maintenance (80% or more people don't bother scheduled maintenance; one of the reasons why used car market is flooded with junks).

What grade fuel do you use? If the knock sensor code returns, switch to higher octane fuel (which you may already be using), or change gas station to different brand, though there may not be a difference.

Refer to following thread for general servicing info:
https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

See attached for clearing codes & CEL.

Good luck & let us know if you need further assistance.

EDIT: I feel the same as Psaboic regarding the deal.


JPN

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Times 3 on the opinion... sounds like a good car. O2 sensor goes at 120,000 miles? Big deal... new car warrany on those things depending on manufacturer is 60,000 to 100,000 miles anyway. Not an uncommon part to replace on an 850 and for that matter, many other cars. And Psaboic is right, clear the codes, drive for awhile and then check 'em again down the road. The car is running fine? Smooth (for a car with a few years on her)? Not stalling? Not bucking? A code can get thrown for an intermittent or singular event, and never trigger again after that. They point you in a direction to look/examine/check and don't always tell you what actually broke. Enjoy the car, and call themechanicwhen you hit 220,000 miles.

 

Did the car come with full service records? If not, you never know if it was maintained properly or if the previous owner followed scheduled maintenance (80% or more people don't bother scheduled maintenance; one of the reasons why used car market is flooded with junks).



Yes it did and it was all done at the same dealer at all the correct intervals. This car was maintained perfectly. All of the records indicate someone took care of it. That's why I don't think the car is a "piece of junk"....

 

Once again, you I think you definitely have a keeper (especially if you have records to show it was maintained well). If you do happen to run into issues with it, please let us know here on the forums. There are MANY well qualified folks to point you to a fast solution to most problems.

Good luck, and enjoy the car

 

Any car that is 14 years old is going to have some problems. Yours don't sound that serious and the price sounds OK. I think you got your moneys worth.

 

The car was in the 20% group. Good deal indeed. You'll probably have to deal with common issues only (ABS, CEL, A/C compressor, PCV, fuel pump/relay, trunk/rear gate holdingcylinders& evaporator and front upper spring seats, etc...).

Come back when you need assistance. Make sure to keep up with scheduled maintenance, and never let the engine run low on oil (I would check at least once/week). I would steer clear of average town shops/franchise shops, because that is where many entry-level technicians are. I would take the car either to an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes or a dealer. When you go to a dealer, be sure to know what you or what they're talking about, because dealers have stubborn habit of selling you unnecessary parts & services.


JPN

 

What is the 20% group?

I check the oil at every other fill up. I know the turbo O-ring is leaking so I'll change that the spring, along with the tail gate cylinders.... I still have a headache...

 

OK, say I have $500 to put into it right now for preventative maintanence. Given the codes and/or mileage, what should I have done?

 

I think you got a good deal and the mechanic sounds like a jerk to me. At that age with 120K I would do the timing belt unless it's been done in the last five years. They are called for every 70K miles or five years whichever comes first. I agree that $3,700 for a 94 with 120K on it is a good deal. My first 850 was a 94 850 Turbo and it was a great car. The engine went at 206K and I'm not sure why, but in hindsight I should have replaced the engine.

Good luck with the car!

 

Yes, the timing belt was changed once and I'll do it again this summer.

 

80% group is for used cars & drivers who don't bother proper maintenance, especially scheduled maintenance. Your car was one of those lucky 20%; it has been maintained properly.


JPN