Hi. I got this car about a year ago. Along with many other parts, the prior owner replaced the Oxygen Sensor in late 2001. The Mass Air Flow Sensor was replaced the same time. Recently, my check engine light was on. I brought the car for service, and told them that the car would surge forward inexplicably, usually on long rides, as if the gas pedal were pulling down by itself. When I picked up the car, the bill was over $700. They said the car was surging electrically and that this was common. They replaced the Air Mass Motor and Hose and the Oxygen Sensor. Two days later, my car surged forward again. I discovered cruise control (which I have never used) in the "on" position. I turned it off, and no more surging. I want to contest the remaining $300 on this bill. I want to be able to say that these parts, once replaced, can be expected to last _________ years (fill in the blank, supported by the fact that my problem was not solved by their recent replacement. Can anyone give me facts about how often such things should need to be replaced? Thanks very much.
Replacements: Potentionmeter May 2003; CMP Sensor May 2003; Tensioner: 11/2002; Starter Motor Sept. 2001, Transmission 9/01; blower motor 12/2000; fan belt 3/2000, Battery 5/2002; oil pan 8/2003; Mass Air FLow Sensor 9/2001; O2 SEnsor 9/2001; Rear Main Seal May 2001.

With all of the dealers in your area, you should be able to find a good one. Besides, there are a lot of indie volvo shops, too.
All parts are covered by the dealer, if installed by the dealer, for one year.
The battery is normally good for 5 years. The serp belt (fan) is good for 30K miles or so. A tensioner is usually good until the second belt replacement. The other stuff should last for 10+ years, depending on treatment. Learn to read the codes yourself and stop relying on the dealer.

Klaus
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1975 164E running? 1995 854T sweet 1998 V70 R work horse

Thanks everyone. This is an independent Volvo shop and one of the few shops around that seems to understand the 850, or so I thought. If anyone has recommendations in the Southeastern Massachusetts area, I'll listen. You're right, Klaus, I should learn to read the codes, and more. I am not mechanically-inclined (probably the big opposite) and thought I found a good shop to work with. And when the check engine light came on, I thought all it needed was a tune-up, which has been over two years, but these mechanics say it's fine and doesn't need one. I can see from all your responses that my thoughts about being taken advantage of this last time are likely right. About testing the parts: I've never been given the parts back after repairs. Should you ask for them? Sorry to be ignoramous-maximus, but I am grateful that lots of savvy people are willing to help on this Board. And glad so many of you have had good luck with your 850s! Take care.

You got screwed. 95 850 with 200K all origninal. 99 S70 all original ..Stick it too em.

The air mass meter in our '96 850 is still the original at 120k miles, 11 years and counting. The front O2 sensor failed at about 110k miles as indicated by emissions testing, though it hadn't set the error code yet.

These parts can in theory last forever. Your shop should have tested them specifically using scanning/code reading devices. Does your state certify auto repairers - maybe they can provide recourse for you.

Hi ksg. Thank you for your answer. I am first going to try writing them a letter, and I will use your general information. When I pointed out the five year time frame of the last change out, and asked specifically if the parts can wear out that fast, they told me firmly, "Yes." So I supposed if I asked whether they tested the parts first, they would still say yes. Anyway, with my letter, I will appeal to their good sense and conscience! Thanks again.

Did you get the old parts back? I suppose it's to late for that? If you had the old parts, you could test them or have them tested. I assume there was nothing wrong with the 02 or the MAF.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.