Check engine light came on. I checked for the code and it came up with
435. At the same time the thermostat gauge in the dash has been fluctuating
instead of being in a steady 3:00 position. Questions are:
Are they related?
How do you tell if it is the rear or front ox sensor that is faulty?

Also, I purchased my 1995 Volvo Wagon w/65K for 10K this past summer. So far I have had to spend approx $1,000.00 for A/C work, new timing belt, and faulty ball joint and boot under car.

Now this problem. I dont have time or the place to work on my car and im getting bummed out with the car. Given it now has 70K, should I expect more things to be goin soon. (see earlier posts, i.e., blower motor).
-RF

I've heard the same story from a friend on his '94 850.
Exactelly the same symptom: fluctuating temperature gauge
and took him a while to find out that it was a leaky head
gasket. Air bubbles was getting around the thermostat.

It's hard to say what part will fail next.....just keep a heads up on this forum, and you should get a very good idea on what to look out for. If I was you, I would start by getting EVERYTHING that the mantainance schedule called for at 60K done ASAP.
When you buy a used Volvo(or any car) always be sure you get ALL the service records.....if you cant....buy another car.
--
Steve F. in Hoboken, NJ

Cheer up, a new OEM Volvo T-stat is only about $20 and you can do that yourself, 2 bolts and a little coolant, done with a cold engine.
Change the t-stat, clear the code and see if it returns with the engine then running at proper operating temp.

435 is the 02 sensor. On mine I've cleared the code numerous times but it kept coming back. I also get the rear 02 sensor code.
I hear its most likely a vacuum line.
For now I put a piece of electric tape over the lamda light.
It was really annoying and too cold to clear the codes constantly.
Besides the car is running great.

435 is the 02 sensor. On mine I've cleared the code numerous times but it kept coming back. I also get the rear 02 sensor code.
I hear its most likely a vacuum line.
For now I put a piece of electric tape over the lamda light.
It was really annoying and too cold to clear the codes constantly.
Besides the car is running great.