Hi:
Took my '93 850 GLT with traction control into the dealer for diagnosis because the low coolant level, low oil level and transmission arrow were flickering on and off. The only other symptom was the car stumbling on my wife at freeway speed (which we put off to bad gas).
At the dealer, I was told to disconnect the low oil level sender; they no longer have them on the cars. This one has functioned well for 9 years and 136,000 miles and only seems to come on after 3000 miles when the oil needs changing. The car never burns more than 1/2 quart between oil changes.
On the fault codes: A $763 plus rags and taxes repair/sensor replacement estimate!!
I was told 213 was the faulty throttle position sensor which needed to be replaced for $118 (their part price was $80). I've found a warehouse Bosch part for $40 or an underground dealer part for $58. (Any difference?) It seems straight forward enough that I could do it myself. But before I start, is this a variable sensor or an idle / full throttle sensor and can it be further diagnosed to confirm it is bad? And is it something that can be expected to go bad after 9 years and 136K or could this fault reading be coming from the gear sensor or mass air (see next items 313 and 121)? Or could the fault with this sensor create the fault readings in the other two? Any tips on replacement procedures?
I was told 313 was a faulty gear position sensor which needed to be replaced at $313. Their part price was $125.40 ( I have found the part underground for $91.50). They told me they have seen this sensor fault cause destruction of the transmission. Others have told me they never experienced or heard of such a thing. Any advice or history? And could the fault read here (the flickering arrow - 3rd gear or traction control light) be causing the trip of the throttle position and Mass air codes? Is the installation of a new gear position sensor a bolt(plug) and play or does it take special tools, skills and knowledge?
Finally, I was told that 121 fault reading meant replacement of the mass air flow sensor to the tune of $335. I can get one of those for $164 versus their $260.70! And it sits right there in the airbox. A chimp could probably change it out. Is there some special calibration required to justify $75 for an hour of labor? I'm told by other mechanical types it is very unlikely faulty. Any history or experiences?
Finally on the low coolant level light: a cracked coolant cap caused that and IPD had one for $8 versus the $18 dealer price! And how about that dealer oil filter price of $11.49 versus IPD's $4.95?? ($4.50 if you buy 10!)
Thanks in advance to all of you who provide advice. I'd like to keep this Volvo going as the practical and economical car I expected it to be.
Tom