Posted by Jim on August 08, 2002 at 22:54:46:

In Reply to: WHAT WOULD YOU DO? posted by Carol on August 08, 2002 at 17:26:24:

Carol, these dealers will continually bend you over every chance they get. I own a 96/850 Turbo, I bought it used about 4 months ago. Just to give you a mental picture, today I replaced the timing belt, water pump and drive belts, plus reset an engine check light (diagnosis was #3 valve miss firing). All of that the dealer wanted over 1200 bucks and I got it done buy a local mechanic with 1 warranty for 367 bucks. Yes, there are certain things the dealer should get for you that others cannot. Major work can usually be done at a fraction of the cost you just have to do your homework. For example, my a/c compressor, all freon labor etc went out a few days after I bought the car (boy was I mad) the dealer wanted 1300 bucks and I went to meineke and got the same service for 820 bucks with a 90 day everything replaced if necessary warranty anywhere in the country. Lesson here was to check your compressor and a/c system every year. I would find a local mechanic that comes recommended and call to see if he or she works on volvos and how much work have they done on volvos. Sure it's not the dealership but if you shop around usually something better will surface. It's amazing what changing something like your inline fuel filter will do for your car. Also, check all of your vacuum hoses for good connection. Normally, when you have a stall it's usually fuel a starvation problem or propulsion problem. Many things can cause this. Check your instrument panel for indications then refer to your owners manual for troubleshooting I would even recommend buying a chilton manual for your model and year for further elaboration of your malfunction. This is the first time I have ever owned a volvo so I'm learning new things all the time. Remember most of the service stuff you can do yourself, just keep asking questions. I started a journal of the things that I see and keep like a problem and solution method of information. I wish you the best. Email me if you run into a brick wall. I have many mechanic friends and I see it as kind of a hobby. Good luck!!! Jim

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