its not my car and the female owner is clueless. can anybody recommend a competent Volvo mechanic in the Chicago area?

 

not sure what the owners gender has to do with the engine's problem. Just saying... If you are new to the area and nobody pipes up for a reference, I'd start by googling in your neighborhood (Chicago's pretty big town..) or services like Yelp, and search for other posts on the various Volvo forums. I did see a 10 year old post which recommended Euro Auto Plex at 1533 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (south loop?)