I recently bought this car with 170,000 miles on it. Everything worked great during the test drive and the next week. A couple of days ago i noticed that while in gear the engines idle will pulse but the rpms don't go up. If i put into neutral no more pulsing engine. Any ideas what this means? This is my first Volvo and it is for my kids to use and i want them to be safe. Thanks for any help.

 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Are you saying that the car won't move?

 

Could be something wrong with torque convertor or maybe spark plugs, description of problem is pretty vague.

Have transmission fluid and spark plugs checked... also check timing belt at that mileage.

 

The moves and drives. The guy i bought it from was a retired mechanic and took good care of it. He had the 100,000 mile service done late, recently. I am wondering if it might be the gas i put in it? I filled it up with 87 octane and then read the Manuel when i got home and saw that is the min and they recommend 91. I filled it up with 91 yesterday and am taking 180 mile trip today. I know my description is vague but there isn't much else to describe it. While in gear it acts like i am tapping on accelerator with my other foot on the brake. While driving no lurching, it is smooth. In neutral no "pulsing".