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I have owned a 1986 240 DL for six years, it has 172,000+ miles and it has been a dream car. It always starts and runs, other things have had to be fixed, but when I turn the key, off we go. We just bought a 1994 850 GLT with 58,000 miles on it. The previous owner had all maintanance recorded, it was complete and on schedule. THe interior is showroom perfect, and except for a few paint chips, the body is great. So far, it runs like a gem. I just want to know what I should look out for as far as problems. So, far I see the AC can be problematic? Why? Is it because of the automatic climate control? Should I do anything special when running the A/C? Should I run the climate control myself instead of setting it auto? Also, I've seen mention of ABS problems, does it affect braking, or just ABS and TRACS? Also, I've been looking for a Robert Bentley book for the 850, but have had no luck, does anyone know where I can get one? I guess I'm just wondering if the 850 will be as reliable as the 240- not running perfect everyday, but running everday in spite of the imperfections. I use to have Volkswagons, so I know a little about cars with problems.
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86 240 DL/ 94 850 GLT
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O.k., the flame trap I know, my husband just changed ours on the 240 DL. We bought from the dealer and they did the complete 60,000 service and changed the belt. I currently have very cold a/c and the engine doesn't shimmy (again, I know because the 240 engine does shake). I was always very good about shutting down the air on my 240, so that I can do. I also have been turning off the fan, my husband just replaced the blower motor on the 240 last christmas, is the blower motor a nightmare? I have looked into extended warranties, should I or shouldn't I ? Also, did Bentley even make a book for the 850? My dad and my husband have always fixed my cars, so I have always had older ones. All the fancy/power dealies just look like a catastrophe waiting to happen. I never felt this way in the 240, I just turned on the A/C and went. The ride might have been rough, and noisy, but it rode. Thanks a lot. I am glad I found you guys.
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86 240 DL/ 94 850 GLT
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I would not spring for an extended warrantee. They are offered because those companies make lots of money off you and apparently, many have rediculous fine print and limitations. You generally won't be able to make a successful claim. It takes five min. on the internet to make a decision about those guys. Good luck with your 850. I've got a '94 too and it's a really great car. I also traded up from an '86 240! Coincidence huh? Also a great car but it was really on it's last legs..had to go.
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'94 855 2.4 - Jet Black/Beige Leather 5-spd
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i have been told that the ac evap fails due to the upper engine mount going bad and causing ecxessive movement on the engine whicj in turn rocks the ac lines back and forth where they enter through the firewall resulting in the evap being cracked from the movement, don't know if it is true but i have replaced my upper engine mount with a poly mount and there is absolutly no movement.
i have 120k miles on my car and original evap, so who knows!
Dan
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posted by
someone claiming to be 93 & 97 850'
on
Tue Jul 29 04:56 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
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this site give 850's a bad rap, wow super low miles on your car,
it may be due for a timing belt, 93 and some 94's have 50k interval,
check the flame trap and or remove it, this can get clogged
and cause presure in the engine that can blow the main seal,
get a pollen filter, this will help your evap. from going bad.
also turn of the ac 2 minute before you get to your destination,
this drys the evap.
I owned two 850's, keep on top of all the maint. and you should
get years of use out of the car
good luck
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Mr. Temkin says you should keep the flame trap... You should. The reason it was put there was to keep a backfire from blowing through the PCV system and into your crankcase, where you'll blow more than just an oil gasket.
Check your maintinance records to see if the timing belt has been replaced yet, and which other disposables might be fresh. Your service records book should state general milages for certain replacements. However, please, please, don't change your oil every 10,000mi.
Make sure nobody monkies with your electrical system. Hooking up a trailer hitch isn't just splicing into your tail lights. Don't plug an air compressor into your cigarette lighter unless it's to charge it.
If you maintain your Volvo, your Volvo will thank you for it.
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| -- | Lucyen Gabbard
96 854 Turbo 90k / 86 745 GLE 240k |
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Good advice, but as to the flame trap, clean it, maintain it, but keep it--it was put there for a reason.
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The much-talked-about A/C problem on the 850/70s is caused by a leak in the evaporator coil. Freon slowly leaks out, and the system begins to cycle on/off, and eventually stop working. The semi-permanent solution is to replace the evaporator (>>$1000). Others have had success at recharging the freon periodically.
The ABS problem did not become common until the 1996 model year, when Volvo changed components. The fault does not affect conventional breaking ability, just the ABS/TRACS function. In a smaller number of cases, people have reported problems with ABS wheel sensors, and the ABS modulator pump ($$$ also).
The 850 will generally "run", but there are many, many little items you can almost expect to deal with from time to time.
Gerald C
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I haven't had a lot of trouble with mine yet (touch wood) and it is an enjoyable car. To answer some of your questions:
With the ABS module,you will get a warning light or diagnostic code thrown your way. Someone who has experienced this might chip in as to how it affects braking until fixed.
There is a Haynes manual commonly used with varying degrees of satisfaction.
With the A/C,if you turn the unit off a minute or two before you get home or park for a considerable time,this helps prevent moisture from collecting in the unit which can cause problems (I don't expect that this is the only problem though).
Research here and www.volvospeed.com for common problems/fixes,in the meantime enjoy,I think they are a great car but not inexpensive to maintain.
Rick.
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