Hello All,

I recently posted a query about what to do with my ’96 850 GLT Wagon (5 speed) with 325,000 miles. During the last two winters, when ever the temperature dropped into the 30’s I had difficulty starting the engine. It would start right up, but then immediately die, as though it was running out of gas. My thought, and my mechanics was the problem was due to the fact several of the cylinders had low compression. If I went through the cycle of starting my car, letting the engine die and then repeating the process again, after 20 to 30 attempts the engine would then start and then would idle properly. I thought this was due to the fact the engine had warmed up enough after multiple starts, that the engine compression had been increased sufficiently to allow it to idle properly.

The problem only presented itself during the winter months. Once the outside ambient temperature was in the upper 30’s the problem went away. I thought my options were: obtain a used engine, or have the current engine rebuilt or try to find an engine block heater.

Recently my car was with my mechanic for two weeks to diagnosis an unrelated problem with the clutch. During that time period, my mechanic realized the problem in the car not idling properly was not due to low compression. Instead the problem lay with the engine coolant sensor. It was defective. Yes, it was working properly in sending a signal to indicate the engine had reached operating temperature, but when the engine was cold (in a low temperature setting) it was not sending the proper signal to the Control Unit that intern controlled the operation of the fuel pump. The engine would start up, but then the fuel pump would be turned off. My mechanic replaced the engine coolant sensor and the start up problem went away immediately - for the first time in 2 years. I just saved myself between $3,000 to $5,000 dollars.

I share this experience with the hope it will guide others if they find themselves in a similar situation. It is nice to be able to drive my Volvo around in the winter without worrying about letting it sit too long that the engine cools off and I won’t be able to start it. I am also glad that I am able to dodge the expense of replacing the engine or rebuilding it. My goal is to hit 500,000 miles with this car if I can. With your help as a community of Volvo advisers, I have a chance.

Thank you to all who shared their advice before the problem was properly diagnosed.

Hugh

The ECT sensor tells the ECU how long the injectors stay open: longer when cold and shorter when warm. The engine needs a richer mix when cold. The fuel pump always runs at the same speed, the excess fuel at the rail is poured back into the tank.

Indeed, a nice catch by the mechanic. He is full of beans when suggesting a block heater, however.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

I will embarrass myself publicly. What does “ECT” and “ECU” mean? I suspect the first term “ECT” my be an abbreviation for the coolant temperature sensor. The second, “ECU” I think refers to a central processing unit or “brain” of the car that controls various functions.

Thank you in advance for educating me.

Hugh

ECT = engine coolant temperature, sensor. ECU = Engine Central processing Unit, or ECM, module, the brains.

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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

I like your explanation of why I don’t have to replace my engine better than mine.

Hugh

This is great news, and I am happy for you. I cannot help wondering, though: would you have spent $3000-$5000 for a new engine for this, a 22-year-old car? It seems that, for that price, you could buy a newer Volvo (like an '06-'07) with less than half the miles and problems. Just wondering. Thanks, and congratulations on the good news!

You are the voice of reason. It doesn’t make economic sense to dump between $3K to $5K into a 22 year old Volvo 850. My decision making process is clouded by emotion. My silver 850 is a manual, which I really enjoy driving. I know, when it goes, it will not be replaced with another manual unfortunately. I live in CT, and we pay property taxes on cars. So now, despite a high mill rate, the property taxes are under $15 a year because of the age of my 850. Also, I guess I rationalize my decision by the thought, that although my 850 has a value of approximately $1,500, it will cost me far more than that to replace it. Also, because of the age of the car, I only carry liability insurance. I recently purchased a 2016 XC90 T8 Inscription Plug-In Hybrid and was reminded how taxes and car insurance can lighted my wallet.

But I guess, my biggest emotion block to not following your reasonable advice, is that I really enjoy driving this car. It gets decent gas mileage, looks good, and is very utilitarian (trips to Home Depot, the Town Dump, etc). I also have an identical red 1996 850 GLT wagon (also a manual) with nearly 400,000. The silver 850 is at 330,000 miles. I know someday I will have to replace them, but I hope to avoid doing so as long as possible. Fortunately, I have a very competent private garage mechanic to attend to my 850 wagons. If I had to have serving done by a dealer, I would have jettisoned these cars a long time ago.

Hugh

That's a pretty serious Volvo habit (!) :) ;)
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Farewell 'black manta' ('97 850) Hello 'rocket sled' ('06 V70R)

I confess, I am a “Volvo Head!”

Hugh

Nice catch!

That’s for sure. I am very thankful. My mechanic is diligent and honest. I give him the credit for properly diagnosing my Volvo. As we all know, Volvos are great cars, but they are not cheap to maintain.

I feel as though I am enjoying a “windfall” of sorts.

Hugh

A problem with a happy ending. Just what we needed to read after the unhappy recent stock market down-draft.
Thanks for sharing.
Dukester '95 855 201K