Not to you, but your engine. I am copying a local Craigslist item to warn you why you need to have a decent battery, and perhaps a trickle charger if you think the battery is getting low.

CRIAGSLIST:
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon - $1600

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Reply to: sale-469430899@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-11-05, 9:13AM CST


Very clean 850 wagon for sale.Nice green body with tan leather inside.Loaded with options,sunroof, power drivers seat,dual climate control and working A/C.Car has aprox 193,000 miles.Runs and drives well.The original odometer broke so it was replaced with a used instrument cluster showing lower mileage.Timing belt was changed at 146,000 according to the sticker on the timing belt cover.The car has an electical issue that was somehow caused by a jump start.The car had been sitting awhile and the battery was dead.I have a 200amp starting unit on my battery charger,and proceeded to jump start the car.The car started just fine, but the low beam headlights are not working and almost all the warning lights on the dash are now lit constantly.Prior to the jump all the lights lit and then went out upon start up, just as they should.I have not taken the car to the shop,because it was just going to be my extra car,and I don't have the money to fix it right now.If you are interested or have other questions call Ken @ 651-462-3949

Don't bother buying this car unless you have a spare TCU and ECU, along with a few spare relays. 200amps!!! We know he called a shop, and he will be out a couple of thousand to get it fixed.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

2 things to add -

On my old 164E the owner's book said the warranty wouldn't cover damage caused by high-current jump starters. It said to use only another car for jump starting.

I read that GM was reluctant to put electronic engine controls in its cars in the 70's when they were gaining in use in European cars, because GM thought owners would damage the systems by jump starting - and they'd be in for lots of warranty work.

Do you think he reversed polarity?

No. He over juiced the system.

There is a warning in your owner's manual about delivering more than 14V when trying to jump start your car. It will fry the electronics!

Winter is coming, so those of us that park cars outside and have the headlights and heater fan going, I suggest you get your battery checked/replaced. Buy a cheap trickle charger for those dark December days and plug your car in overnight.

Klaus

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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)