1995 850 Turbo with 85k miles.

The idle speed is always at about 800 rpm even when cold. The engine runs great. It would be nice to fix this but since the motor runs fine, I don't really care too much. Anyone know where I should start checking?

Thanks

What are people generally getting for idle speeds on 850's/70's? My 850 is close to 950, adn the XC is about 900 and has been for years, so I assume that this is about the norm?
--
Mike Sullivan ('95 855T (88k), '98 V70XC (92k), '95 855 NA (135k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k), '91 745 (196k), '93 965 (147k) .

Right...I think these are normal. My S70 gets just over 900. Btw, the original poster said nothing about changing out the thermostat, but if his temp is over the 3:00 mark, this is a must in my opinion when doing the temp. sensor. Buy the 90degree one and not the one for lower temp.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Does the engine hesitate at all when very cold? Does the temperature gauge read different from the way it did before, assuming the engine had a fast idle some time in the past (different from the previous reading when either cold or hot)? If either is true, the ECT (engine coolant temp) sensor may be out of spec and not providing enough cold fuel enrichment.

If you turn on the air conditioner or lots of accessories, does the engine idle slow down a bit but then return near or to the original reading within a second or 2? Similarly the idle should jump up a bit then return, as you turn off these extra loads. If this does not happen I would suspect a dirty or damaged IAC (idle air control) valve.

Otherwise, I would do as Klaus suggests and also check that the throttle body bore is scrupulously clean and the linkage and cable are not at all sticking.

No hesitation when cold. I've only had the car for a few weeks. It has 85k miles. The temp guage when warm is slightly above center (3 o'clock).

I will be changed the upper/lower radiator hoses, ECT, & coolant this weekend.

When the A/C is turned on, the idle goes up slightly and drops back.

I wish mine would idle at 800 instead of 950. Check for vacuum leaks, especially the elbows at the throttle body and the one that goes around the block on the passenger side, and those below the battery box.

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)