It's been a bad few months lately ... first the alternator cooks itself, now the aircon compressor has had the "Richard" , all on a 1996 model with just under 40,000 km on the clock - pretty poor reliability from a Volvo! - particularly when I compare it to our 1984 240, which I've had next to no problems with over the past 10 years since I've owned it. So much for progress and improvements.

The problem now is with the aircon/heater fan (my car doesn't have climate control. I'm not sure if I'm going paranoid but it seems to be putting out less air on all 4 speeds? Could this be the next problem? Is there any filter that could be blocked/restricted or any other problem that could cause the fan to be less efficient?

Look forward to any comments

Regards

PJ

I think I smell the odor of over-ripe lemon...or I have one of the good ones. First, am I correct to notice that there seem to be fewer '96 models noted on this board that have had some sort of problem?

Aside from that. I have a '96 850 GLT with 122,000+ miles on it. I didn't buy it new but from the original owner who claimed (for what it might have been worth) that it had never had a serious problem or one that hadn't been taken care of by the dealer while the warranty was in effect.

My after-warranty shop (Exclusively Imports of Whitter, CA) did my original check-out finding all that I need was a routine check-up and oil change (108,000 miles). Since then I had to have 3 transmission solenoids replaced (about $350.00) after I noticed that the traney started to down shift without any apparent reason; and recently a normal 120,000 mile tune-up at about 122,000 (I know, I ran over about 2,000 miles). I had the motor mounts replaced as a precaution and as planned, and here we are...slightly less buzzy feel, better performance, etc., etc.

On the other hand, it may be that the former owner(s), for some reason or other, didn't take proper care of what I think is a gem of a car.

What to do? I wish I knew.