Hi brickboard,
I am new to volvos, just received a great gift from a neighbor. The car has sat for a few years other than being moved around the driveway. The ABS and airbag light stays on and the engine is dirty. Other than an engine flush and brake work, what other items should i immediately put on my list of things to do. How do I diagnose the two lights that stay on.
Thanks,
Tom

Check with your neighbor or carfax.com whether the car has ever been in an accident. Someone more knowledgeable may correct me, but the airbag may have deployed and not been replaced, and that could be why the light is on.

Tom,
I have an old 242 (1980) that sat for four years in the midwest. The only real problem that I had is the gas tank filled up with rust from condensation from sitting in the winter. I would pull the pre-pump out of the tank and look inside (remember,your dealing with gas!!) and if looks like the hull of the titanic all rusty, pull the tank, and get one from a junk yard after inspecting it inside. If you start it with a gastank full of crap you will be sorry. If you don't live where it gets cold, then don't worry about it.

Turbos don't have flame traps.

There is a good section on buying a high mileage brick, or a used one even. Plenty of good info.
--
Warren Bain - '86 744Ti M46 >290Kmi, '99 V70Glt > 45K mi, '96 965 >100Kmi Wifemobile near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu.

a must do is to check the caliper guide pins for seizure since the car was sitting and didn't see much brake use at all.

don't forget to clean out the flame trap and oil trap too.

definitely flush and replace all the fluids.

and what everyone else said. :)
--
Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'
Note: Page currently down

I thought abs and SRS were only offered after 89?

Volvo did a redesign of the 760 interior in M.Y. 1988 where they introduced the current clim6te control system. The Airbags and ABS trickled down into the lower models between then and 1990 when the NTSB mandated that all cars have passive restraint systems, so lower 740's (GL and below) and 240's didn't get the airbags, etc. until 1990. However, I have an '89 760 Turbo that has the steering wheel w/Airbag and the dash says it has ABS, too. Trouble is, i can't find the OBD box.

Sounds like a sweet deal, but you do have some work cut out for you. Number one is probably going to be the wiring harness which was made with the worlds poorest insulation. This alone may give you gremlins. You will need to check all connections for oxydation etc.

Do you want to keep this car? If so, it will need a complete going through or you will have little items give up on you during driving. Consider seriously replacing all ignition parts (Not coil), but plugs, cap, rotor, wires, all coolant hoses and heater valve and thermostat. After you fix the brakes, purge the system completely. New fuel and air filter. Vac hoses (small ones on engine) most likely need replacement as they get old and split and no amount of circumcision will cure. The wiring harness: David Barton has some good deals on excellent replacement. Check turbo hoses.

Ought to be a fun project, but it will keep you out of the bars and brothels for awhile.

Check the FAQ in this site for many answers---it is a gold mine of info.

dick

For starters, plan to change all the fluids--brake, engine, transmission, power steering, coolant.
Check the condition of the tires--may need replacement. Probably needs new belts.
Am sure you'll get a lot of recommendations.