Volvo 940, 960, S90 & V90

240, 700-series SRS Diagnostic Codes

The 960 and 940 after 1992 had SRS diagnostic capability using the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) unit in the engine compartment. The 1987 to 1992 7 series, the 1990 to 1991 2 series and the 1992 940 also had a diagnostic capability. Continue reading →

940, 960 SRS Diagnostic Codes

940 and 960 cars from 1993 – 1995 can display fault codes for the Supplemental Restraint System using the On-Board Diagnostic unit in the engine compartment. Continue reading →

DIY: iPod/iPhone Input for SC-815/816 Radios

MVS Volvo Forums Contributor b2fkb0 shows us how to transform the tape deck function of SC-815 and SC-816 Volvo radios into an input for not just iPods and iPhones, but really any source with a mini jack output: “Well, sorry it took me a year to get back with this, but I hope it helps! Just did a black faced SC-816 for the 855 R for my daughter as her Christmas present, here’s what I did…”
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S90 Drive Cycle Could Not Be Completed

Failed! I talked to the supervisor and after some discussion she said ‘Oh this is a Volvo!’

She then leafed through a loose leaf binder and informed me, ‘All 1996-’98 Volvos may have difficulty completing the drive cycle and will be unable to be tested.’ Continue reading →

Octane And The Turbocharged Engine

Any time you compress air it’s going to increase in temperature, with a turbo charger it’s no different. The more boost you run the more heat is imparted to the air going into the engine. This heat along with latent heat from the previous combustion cycle can increase enough that the fuel can actually ignite before the spark plug lights it off, which is called pre-ignition or ping. Pre-ignition can be very damaging to an engine if it is severe enough or occurs over a long enough period of time. So higher octane fuels help avoid this. Continue reading →

Restore Your Seats… Perfectly

After striking out on finding suitable replacement seats in the local pick ‘n pull, I opted for the Elwood Industries replacement seat covers. The black although not an exact match to my dark charcoal, is practically speaking, so close as to be virtually unnoticeable as a different color. Continue reading →

Fuel Pump Adventure, 1988 Volvo 760 Turbo

Before anyone asks why I don’t use new parts, I am on a low income budget and if I spend much on parts I eat less. But my friend owns a local junkyard (breaker) and I get to take any parts that I need as long as the parts are not something new that he has paid money for. Continue reading →

Restore Faded Trim w/ Heatgun

Warm weather has arrived so today I pulled out my $9.99 heat gun (on sale at Harbor Freight) and went to work.

The side trim pieces are adjacent to metal on the door panels, so basic care is sufficient. The bumper trim, however, is adjacent to plastic so I used a thin metal bracket as a heat shield. In the photos below I am holding the heat shield along the bottom edge, then holding the heat shield to guard the top edge. Continue reading →

GE Nighthawk Platinum Headlight Bulbs $19

GE 9006NHP/BP2 Nighthawk Platinum Headlight Bulbs (Low Beam), Pack of 2 $18.99 UPDATE: they’re back to their usual $30, ugh I have no firsthand experience with these, only Sylvania Silverstars, which I’ve found to be perfectly adequate. They’re about $30 … Continue reading →