thanks for the emails!

the mystery has been solved:

when they (villa) replaced my airhose (from the air filter into the engine) - it appears they installed the wrong part!

i went to robert motors (came away with really good impression of them - very helpful staff!) who found the problem. apparently, on many 850s - there was a modification done to that specific air hose part. i am guessing this was as a result of the throttle body recall issued on the 850s in 1996 - before i bought my car.

there's a second set of hoses (including a vacuum hose) that merges with the main hose (that villa replaced) just near the throttle mechanism. the mechanic told me, and showed me, that if you install the wrong hose for certain 850s (as it appears villa did on my car)- this merging area gets to too close to the throttle mechanism, can catch it and cause the throttle to either stick open or closed - both dangerous situations!

granted - my throttle body was dirty, the mechanic at robert motors showed this to me - so i had them clean it yesterday - but this wasn't the real problem!

anyway - i've asked volvo canada (they also seem to have helpful staff) sort out who is going to pay for the repairs to fix the first repairs... i also mentioned this to a lawyer friend of mine. his reaction was that if i had had an acceleration accident with the car, he would've gladly taken on my case!

if you own an 850 and you need this hose replaced (or have had it replaced)- be aware that apparently installing the wrong version of the part can lead to an accident!