My Mother’s ’97 855 Turbo has been at the dealers for a week. The engine intermittently races when stopped. You have to jam you foot on the brake to keep the car from flying thru a stop sign, etc. I posted to the 850 board, where they suggested that it was a vacuum leak – I didn’t have chance to look for the leak before my Mother drove it 75 miles away and it the engine raced and then the car would not start. That is how the car ended up at a Volvo dealer I have never used. The car also has another minor problem, which is an erratic temp. gauge.

I just got a call from the dealer who said all of these problems might be associated with a bad thermostat and temp. sensor and will cost $300.00 to repair (and the car is still under warranty). I have replaced both the temp. sensor and thermostat on my 240 myself for about $20.00 and my car never had the symptoms the 850 has.

My question - will these items really address the starting, racing problems? Or should I just pickup the car and bring it to my trusted Volvo dealer and see what he says?

As always - Thank you for the help