I have problems with my Volvo 850 1994 Sedan/Non-Turbo. I have quite a few problems. 1) The car doesn't start no more. The car does everything like it suppose to do, starter is cranking, battery is good, etc... The car did quite a few things leading up to this. I use to get a stuttering engine when i use to drive, then shut off the car, and start it back up. The car hesitated. The check engine light had been on for a while now. Also the service light has been on also, but the service light shuts off after the car has ran for a while. The car stalled a few times while i was driving, but then started up a little while later (5-15 minutes). Now it just doesn't want to turn over. I know there is alot of parts to this car, and i'm sure most of the problems can be figured out by reading the boards, but I'm without a car and I really don't feel like playing a guessing game by replacing parts. I'm going to try one more thing that everyone says it may be, the ignition switch. After that, i'm stuck in between a rock and a hard place. Hopefully it that. But I still need other things fixed on the car (a/c, shocks, struts, complete tuneup, tranmission fluid exchange).

It would be really nice to find someone in my area that isn't going to rob me blind. I had taken my car to this repair guy by my office, but it seems he just fixes stuff temperally. I took my car to get the a/c fixed last year to this guy (after i bought a brand new compressor), it broke after i ran over a pothole. He fixed it again, then it stopped blowing cold air. Now I have a broekn down car and no a/c.

Any help on finding a great repair person in my area would be gladly appreciated. I live in Bethpage, NY.
Thats in Nassau County Long Island. Thank you.

FYI, someone just replied to your post. Read the third one, reply to him. He may be able to help.

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

Hi there,
We use Olypmic service station in Oceanside.
They do an excellent job on two 850s!

I do not think you need a new ignition switch, not if your car is turning over when you try to start.
Your car has a diagnostic system on board. There are 2 small boxes attached to the larger black computer case on the passenger side fender. The A box has a probe. Go to the pull down menu "select link" at the top of this page and choose 700/900FAQ. This will explain how to retrieve the diagnostic codes from the computer, and also how to turn off the Check Engine Light (CEL) and the service light.
It is not hard to do, just follow the instructions. Write down all of the codes you find with its corresponding slot number and the car will tell you which parts are bad. Your mechanic needs a lot of help, if he didn't know how to do this already. You are right to look for a new one.
If you cannot find the definitions to the codes, post back with the codes and we will tell you what they mean.

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

Good evening. I'm responding to the add in which you were looking for someone who has experience working on the 850. I've owned Volvo's for the last 8yrs. Ive done every possible repair on the 850 model besides transmissions. I'm presently restoring a 1996 850 turbo. I'm willing to share my knowledge and help you in repairing your 94 850.

Please. any help I can get would be great. I just took my car to the dealership to get it diagnosed. They say I need over $7500 in repairs. I mean this is other stuff the car also needed. Shocks, Struts, Control Arms, Etc. I am picking up the car today. Hopefully they will give me a printout of all the stuff it does need. They named so much stuff my ears was falling off. I just need the car to get running, and the way it seems now, I HAVE TO DO THE WORK MYSELF. The prices they were telling me on some things were so blown out of proportion, it wasnt even funny. All I remember was $$$$'s they were telling me. $1100 here, $900 there, $800 here, $250 there. I mean cmon. I know these A mechanics get good money, but $800 for a timing belt? $1100 to fix the ABS control module? These prices are insane. I know what parts cost for my car because I have ordered from various different places auto parts places online, but to charge all this extra money for installing these things is quite rediculous. I mean what are these A mechanics that work for Volvo getting? $50 an hour tops?

Ok, I will be picking my car up today or tomorrow. Hopefully I can get this report from them. I mean i did pay them $150 to do a full diagnostic check on everything. So when I get the report, I can tell you everything it needs.

To me, I just want to get the car driving and runnning well. The ABS, Brakes & Suspension can wait. As long as the thing can get me to point A to B for now until I can get the other parts and stuff for it, I just need it running well.

I just need the thing purring like a kitten again. Any help would be gladly appreciated after I get this report back.

Thanks for your help everyone. This board has been nothing but helpfull.

Now that you have narrowed down the areas, it's time to plan your repairs according to your budget. As I mentioned in my previous response I've done basically every repair possible on the 850. Let me know if you still need a reputable mechanic for the job. I'm located in Westbury but willing to travel to you to do the work.

Looking for FLIGHT850 can you replace bushings on a 240 volvo?
gracebrokers@aol