I've got a '93 850 GLT with 120k mostly happy miles.

Here's the problem:

The throttle sticks and won't return to idle, usually around 2.5-4k RPM. Happens most frequently in very cold weather at highway speeds (which makes the offramp tons of fun).

Started last Jan., when I had the accelerator pedal pivot bolt broke while I was driving to work, perhaps residual damage from an accident a few years before. Got charged $200 parts/labor for pivot bolt and gas pedal base plate replacement.

About a week later, in -10 F weather, the throttle stuck. Took it back to dealer, they "lubed throttle bobbin and cable end" but couldn't find what was causing problem. No charge.

I had to take it in again this January, and they "lubed gas pedal base and pivot pin. Also lube upper cruise servo bushing. Remove cable and check. Cable is free. Checked throttle bobbin assembly - this is fine." Charged $69, but it's happened a number of times since.

After doing as much research as possible, I just don't know. My best guess is that when they first worked on the system, they allowed some water (or just condensation) to get in there, and when it's very cold, it freezes and sticks. Does this make sense?

I know there was a recall of '94 850 turbos for this problem, according to the NHTSA. (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/mmy.cfm)

Here's the text:

"UNDER VERY COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, ICE CRYSTALS CAN FORM AT THE THROTTLE IN THE ENGINE INTAKE SYSTEM, AND PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO IDLE."

Here's the proposed fix:

"DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY, THROTTLE CABLE, CHARGE AIR COOLER PIPING AND CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOSES."

So, what now? Try to get the dealer to fix it, if he did actually cause the problem? Call Volvo North America? I can't let it go, because it can be pretty dangerous on icy roads, and I'd hate for it to happen with my wife driving. I also don't want to keep taking it back to the dealer without more information, since they obviously can't seem to find the problem. Maybe I'm totally off base with the water in the cable idea - I just don't know.

Please help!

Thanks,

Adam

adamkd@hotmail.com