I'm new - please please help!

[dennisge2005]

I've done a significant amount of hunting around on the net for the answers I need with no luck and I am hoping I can get some answers here from an 850 nut. I don't think flattery will get me anywhere but this does seem like a cool, enthusiastic group.

At the end of the year I got a great deal -- I think -- on a 1995 850 77K miles, $5500. It is immaculate. Its only obvious flaw was that the heater doesn't work. It doesn't have the automatic (digital) climate control, just regular. Anyway, I have decided to punt on heater problem since the car functions perfectly in every other way, and I live down south.

However it didn't come with the owners manual -- I've finally ordered it -- but I have a couple questions about dash lights that are coming on.

First there is a small circular red light directly to the right of the time and temperature that only comes on when it's cold outside (close to freezing). What does this mean? Anyone?

Then, just today, I started getting a light on the right that has a picture of the fan and some "water" below it. I assume this is a depiction of the cooling system. It comes on when I am accelerating in at low speeds from stop, and then it goes off. I will add that since it's been happening it's been fairly cold here (I'm in Nashville, and it's been between 30-40 deg F).

The fluids are all fine. Does anyone have any ideas? I could really use some advice. I'll check back on the post or if you are willing please email me at graemeearly(at)gmail.com

Thanks!

[Guest]

Red Light - It's nothing wrong with your car. It just comes when the ambient temperature is close to freezing... I think it starts at 37 degrees or something. Anyway it's basically to tell you that it's damn cold as if you didn't notice.

Fan Light- That's for low coolant level, so just check that and add as necessary.

Your Heat - I'm not sure of your problem, but if it's for the temperature of the air try changing you thermostat. I think it's worked for about 1 million people on this board to correc their heat problems. Of course it could not be the problem, but just an idea.

[matthew1]

Yup on all that. For me the cold light is a small orange snowflake.

[dennisge2005]

First of all thanks so much.

Can anyone comment about the coolant light only coming on as I accelerate? Is it possibly due to the coolant simply sloshing around as I take off?

Would one assume that if my coolant is low like this that I have a leak? i.e do i need to check for leaks, or consider sealant, or anything like that.

That is great about the little red light. I was in fact wondering if it was an "It's Damn Cold!" Light.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate this help.

GD

[dennisge2005]

By setting the thermostat do you mean just on the dash controls? These are laid out unlike any car I've driven before including other Volvos.

What I have is two knobs on each side that appear they would adjust the temp independently for driver and passenger (this is the thermostat you mean?). Between these is a knob for directing the air flow.

These knobs are brittle and somewhat cracked on the "business" side but I believe they are turning as they should if they are turned with care (I have gone ahead and gotten replacements for these).

Then if I can ask you to speculate, is a heater problem in the 1995 850 necessarily a $2000 job like in some other european makes of the same vintage?

Your thoughts? Thanks again.

[Da' Moose]

The Thermostat that they are talking about is the one in the engine; it controls the temp of the engine. It is not a big deal to replace; most any shop could replace it. The process is not much different from any other car or truck. If you have a shop that you trust for your auto work, take the car to them and tell them that you are in need of a new t-stat. When it comes to a t-stat do not skimp and buy the cheap one, the price of a t-stat is cheap enough that buying a good one will not break the bank and it will treat you better. There are many links on this site to buy auto parts for your Volvo, it might be worth your while to find one on one of these sites and take it to your shop. The problem of a stuck t-stat can cause you to loose fuel mileage, and will wear your motor faster than normal, because the engine can not get up to the proper operating temp. Good luck, Da

[matthew1]

Radiator light: yes, coolant sloshes around as you accelerate. It is normal to have to add a bit of water or water/coolant mix every 6 or 12 months.

Thermostat:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/tstat.php

There are more goodies on my Volvo 850 page.

[dennisge2005]

Alright y'all. I've got my homework and my reading assignment. I'll get back with a follow up.

This site is a dream come true. Thanks again.

GD

[dugitman]

Here is the manual online for a 1994 850(what i have) i don't believe there is any difference at all between 94 and 95 manual (peanut gallery can correct me if i'm wrong)

http://apps.volvocars.us/ownersdocs/199 ... l#contents

To let you know as i have found out. You must keep up on a Volvo. If u fix the inexpensive stuff(ie t-stat) as it occurs, you will not get involved in 'expensive foreign' repairs. Pay attention to your warning lights and ANY electrical issues and refer to this board to prevent any major maintenance. One little thing i found early is at oil change make sure your mechanic knows it is 5.8 quarts. I spent 2 changes thinking i was burning oil only to find out dummies were putting in 4.5 quarts.

ps. I think you got a good deal if those are actual miles and car was garaged. sounds like it was if u describe as immaculate. I paid 3K for 94 with 145K. It had a stack of service paperwork however and all from Volvo Dealer Shop....rambling now....hope something here helped

pps. make sure your timing belt was replaced at 70k!!!