Hi,

I purchased a 1994 Volvo 850 a couple of months ago. Since then I have run across a recurring problem, in which the engine cuts out and all of the warning lights go on. The car then becomes hard to steer and I usually am not able to start it up again until I wait about 5 minutes or so. There is no warning that the engine is about to cut off and it will cut off at varying speeds. I have taken the car to two different mechanics with no success. None of them have been able to find anything wrong with it, they repeatedly cleared the warning lights and nothing except the O2 light has registered, though they don't believe that could have an impact. One mechanic thought the starter might be the source of the problem and we replaced it to no avail. I am in high school, therefore I have a limited income and the Volvo repairs have been quite costly. I could try to take it to a dealer and try to trade it in, although I'm not sure if they'll take it or I'll have to try to sell it in the classifieds. There is also a third mechanic who was taking the car for a drive and he experienced it cut off. He isn't quite sure what the problem is, but he thinks he could diagnose it, though I'm not quite sure if I should do this because the two other mechanics couldn't find anything visibly wrong with the car, although they were never in the car when it shut off.

Do you all have any idea what the problem could be???

I really don't know what to do because I have put a lot of money into this car and I can't afford to put much more in. Do you all have an opinion of whether I should try to trade it in or give this 3rd mechanic a go??

I APPRECIATE any help, Thanks a lot

 

I also have this problem with my girlfriends sisters car. She'll be cruising along, and suddenly the whole car will die, with no stuttering or gradual loss of acceleration, but a straight cut out of power. The lights on the dash will not come on until you put the car in neutral. When it cuts out in drive (it's an auto), the lights on the dash won't come on until you select Neutral, until then, the tacho still displays revs (i'm, guessing this is the torque converter?)

Anyway, we replaced the fuel filter, but we are yet to have the fuel pump or fuel regulator..

Any help appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris

 

Also check the PNP switch and the battery cables.

 

Have had exactly the same problem. I have been on the volvo owners website and the fault is apparentyl down to the fuel pump relay. I have just changed mine and all seems to be working ok. I hope this helps.

 

Welcome to the forum, and sorry about the problem.

If the fuel pump relay & PNP switch turn out ok, the problem is probably electrical. 850s are really sensitive to electrical power requirement, and if there's a problem in charging system, all dash warnings light up or flash like crazy. I had it too, when my alternator died. As Tech has noted, check for battery connections, alternator connections, etc...

I wouldn't go back to any of the mechanics you've visited, as they are attacking the problem blindly. There are a few auto technicians who can diagnose electrical/electronic systems properly (like Tech).Some members in this forum could probably do better trouble shooting than those mechanics you've visited.

Generic shops may not be able to service Volvos properly. Some of them have not kept up with new technology (or even conventional electrical/electronic system diagnosis) and need additional training. I would visit only the dealer (make sure to get a written estimate before letting them do anything on your car, though) or independent shops that specialise in Swedish/European makes. Like in every industry, true experts are not easy to find.

Lastly, 850s have some chronic problems and if you cannot afford repairs or do repairs on your own, you may want to trade it in before the car becomes a nightmare.

The car is not in a safe condition to drive right now. Make sure to get it fixed ASAP or trade it in. When my alternator failed, it was late at night at a busy intersection, and I had to navigate the car with inertia (heavy steering & brakes as you've experienced), then I could not move the car off the road by myself as Volvos are heavy.

I wish you the best of luck & safety.


JPN

 

I also had the same problem ,car wood dye, V50 , i had just purchased the car i did take it back to the dealer, they discovered that the fly bye throttle system was braking down, they replace the throttle pedal , it been fine since
Cars are computers these days