Newbie to Forum - Have Neglected 850

DMcQ · Post by **DMcQ** » 14 Apr 2012, 22:14

: Wire bundle coming from the left; VolvoWires3.jpg (33.25 KiB) Viewed 1735 times

I've had a 1996 850 with Manual transmission since 2003. It would not pass Dallas emissions tests, which did not bother me because I lived in Oklahoma where there are no inspections. In 2005 it 'threw a rod' and I had the engine replaced($3200). I loved the car but then I moved to Texas and was faced with the problem of how to get it to pass inspection. While I thought about this, I left it parked in the back yard. I continued to register it in Oklahoma but didn't drive it for about a year. During that time a squirrel ate its way into the trunk and snacked on some wires. So I had a wiring harness replaced($700). Drove it back and it stalled several times. Frustrated, I parked it in the back yard. It has been sitting there since 2007. Now I want to start it. The first problem I noticed was a squirrel nest in the engine. I cleaned that out and saw some wires were not connected.. Initially I thought the squirrel had done it but after looking for a while I'm not sure. The ends are neatly cut and sort of twisted together. I've tried to match it up with wiring diagrams but am having trouble reading them. Next thought was to take off the fuse/control box cover and trace the wires. But the screws are all stripped so that is the first thing I am going to work on as soon as the storms are gone. I would like to figure out these wires before I put in a new battery. I know the odometer is not working but it sounds from this forum like it is a simple fix. I put in some fresh gas, made sure all the fluids were filled, ordered an OBD-II scan tool from Amazon and have a new battery. Most likely it needs new oxygen sensors. Now that I am retired I don't have a bundle of money to spend fixing this up. What other things should I look at to help me decide whether I can afford to get it running reliably? Anything else I should do before I try to start it? I've attached some photos in case anyone can save me hours of work tracking down the wires.

Post by **jreed** » 15 Apr 2012, 06:07

It could turn out that this car is going to take a lot of work and money upfront and then on an ongoing basis to keep it running reliably. What are your transportation needs and your goals for this car? It might be worth considering alternatives to fixing this one up.

Post by **Thunderbox** » 15 Apr 2012, 14:53

I have to agree with jreed on this one. Even after getting the wires straight you still have to worry about getting it inspected. I feel that after an electrical system has been compomised you are better off looking at what on the car may transfer to another more suitable example. Being in the south you can probably find another clean example without the electrical gremlins pre installed. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

DMcQ · Post by **DMcQ** » 16 Apr 2012, 16:00

Thanks for your quick responses. I do have another reliable car so I would not have to depend on this Volvo. Since my other car is a 4 cyl Honda it won't pull my boat, which is well within the trailering limits of the Volvo(tongue weight approx 150 lb), dry weight combined trailer and boat 1650). I've put a lot into the Volvo(new engine, timing belt, regular maintenance) and think I would rather deal with known problems than start all over with an unknown. It only has 106,000 miles, probably less than 10,000 on new engine. As for electrical, I have plenty of time and I am very patient. If necessary I can trace each wire. Just need to get the top off the fuse control box.
What I really want to know is whether there is anything else I should do before starting up a car that has been sitting for several years.
And if anyone happens to know where that bundle of wires in the top picture (on the left) goes (I think its ABS but am not sure) it would save me some time. I'm thinking if it's ABS then nothing would be hurt by starting it up without reconnecting those wires.

Thanks again.

Thomastalan · Post by **Thomastalan** » 16 Apr 2012, 16:24

If I were you I would replace all fluids, go through all vacuum lines. Once this is done you should be fine trying to start it. after its running pull codes, go from there.

Thomastalan · Post by **Thomastalan** » 16 Apr 2012, 16:26

Try to get a better pic of the harness, if I can see were the wires lead I can help.

DMcQ · Post by **DMcQ** » 16 Apr 2012, 17:58

: The fuse box is at the top right. Photo taken standing next to the front tire on the driver (left) side) aimed toward the window. Unconnected wires are in the harness coming from lower left. It has a cover that swings open.; iphone 4_16_2012 003.jpg (39.67 KiB) Viewed 1670 times

I hope this picture shows it better.

Thomastalan · Post by **Thomastalan** » 16 Apr 2012, 18:26

Do you have headlight wipers, I think that might be what the harnesses is for with the connector cut off.

DMcQ · Post by **DMcQ** » 16 Apr 2012, 18:30

No - one of the things I like about this car is that it is very basic. No extras. No headlight wipers, no sun roof, no seat heaters, no fog lights,manual transmission. Just basic transportation that was very reliable until the squirrel made it his home.

Post by **PCars** » 16 Apr 2012, 23:58

Its a little difficult to tell from the pictures but it looks like those wires are part of the ABS module harness. That swinging plastic cover piece at the end is its connector. You'll have to remove the chinese finger trap looking material and that plastic harness guide to expose the wires and see if they can be matched up and resoldered together. If they are pump, power, or speed sensor wires for the ABS unit you are much better off just replacing the whole harness. From a safety standpoint that would be the "correct repair."

If you still want to attempt reconnecting them, the wiring diagrams are going to be invaluable. They can be difficult to read at first but there are Youtube videos and websites that will help you out. Whats nice about this site is the actual Volvo Wiring Diagrams are available in pdf. They can be found under the repair database tab. The first few pages tell you how to read the diagrams, like what color ''SB" refers to and what the symbols are for different components. After understanding exactly what wires you have, I feel that you might be able to just make the repair right there rather than trying to get to the fuse panel to trace the wires back. Unless you do in see damage in that area, of course, then that will need to be addressed also, but the wires from the ABS harness might not even go there. It would be easier to open or remove all the components in that immediate area to expose the damage. Then the wires could just be soldered back together. Jumper wires of the the same gauge might be required as well if that squirrel took out a big piece.

Like previously mentioned, change all engine fluids, especially the oil/filter. Those chewed wires are probably not going to prevent you from starting the car, unless he got those wires that go to the coil as well. Again this is only from what it looks like in the pictures. Its difficult to know how bad the damage really is. Hope this helps. Wish I could see it.