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Extended Road Trip Precautions?

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70
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jreed
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Re: Extended Road Trip Precautions?

Post by jreed »

A couple possible points of failure to consider:
1) Fuel pump. I recently had to replace the original fuel pump on my '97 855 GLT at ~180k miles. It seemed to be working fine until the moment it died. Only after the new Volvo OEM pump was in did I realize how noisy the old OEM pump had been.
2) Camshaft position sensor. I've read that the wiring on this sensor can fail. It might be a good idea to inspect the CPS wiring and connector to see if they look damaged.
Good luck for a safe and smooth trip!
:)
1997 855 GLT (Light Pressure Turbo) still going strong. Previous: 1986 240 GL rusted out in '06, 1985 Saab 900T rusted out in '95, 1975 Saab 99 rusted out in '95, 1973 Saab 99 rusted out in '94
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cn90
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Post by cn90 »

For long road trip, there are 2 aspects to think about:

1. Routine maintenance items:
Things like spark plugs, cap/rotor, Bougicord, air filter, fuel filter, etc.

2. Unexpected items:
- Fuel Pump, google Bosch 69693
- Fuel Pump relay trick: jumping 15 and 87 terminals.
- Alternator (at least make a note of what voltage regulator you need)
Basically be prepared for the unexpected at this mileage.
2004 V70 2.5T 100K+
2005 XC90 2.5T 110K+
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estrekal
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Post by estrekal »

jreed wrote:A couple possible points of failure to consider:
1) Fuel pump. I recently had to replace the original fuel pump on my '97 855 GLT at ~180k miles. It seemed to be working fine until the moment it died. Only after the new Volvo OEM pump was in did I realize how noisy the old OEM pump had been.
2) Camshaft position sensor. I've read that the wiring on this sensor can fail. It might be a good idea to inspect the CPS wiring and connector to see if they look damaged.
Good luck for a safe and smooth trip!
:)
Thanks for the response. I hadn't thought about the fuel pump, I should check through my records to see if it's been replaced at all. Also, where is the CPS on these vehicles, is it on the front of the engine?
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cn90
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Post by cn90 »

Cam Sensor is in the REAR of the engine, in the Exhaust Cam area, right behind the cap/rotor area.
Get a used CPS from local junk yard or ebay as spare. It is cheap, about $10/each.
2004 V70 2.5T 100K+
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abscate
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Post by abscate »

Best long trip protection

AAA Premium and a list of MVS members within the 100 mile free tow radius for your trip.

:-)
+1 on the p80 seats. They rock.
1000 miles in the P80 seat this week - and I don't feel a thing on my creaky body. Maybe I just can't sell this car....
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rguzz
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Post by rguzz »

Debatable but I replace fuel pumps on my cars when I approach 200k or certainly 20 years regardless as they will certainly quit with little-no notice as someone commented above. Never replaced alternator which worries me but I might get to that next. Radiator has been replaced with proper t-stat. Agree voltage regulator is good to have and RSPI has a video of how to replace with alternator in situ, though doesn't look like a 15 minute job. I Have a bag of low mileage sensors from the junkyard I carry with me, engine speed sensor, CPS, ignition switch etc. Other than that the usual, repair all leaks, etc. If I were bored enough I'd just go ahead and replace aging sensors, but I'll accept the argument that might be excessive. I travel with a cheap code reader. I worry too much. It's the weekend already so have a good trip.
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rspi
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Post by rspi »

On a maintained car I suggest checking tire pressure, filling the gas tank and hitting the road. No spare parts or tools for me. A car doesn't know if it is being driven 30 miles or 300. My car has over 300,000 miles on it and it has been across the country about 18 times in the past 2 years.

I do carry a smart phone and a quart of oil. Since my rack leaks about 8 oz per 1,000 miles, I usually try to carry a 1/2 quart of tranny fluid as well.

WARNING: One of my outlooks in life is "don't worry about stuff that has not happened yet". I'm sure there are many many people that have suffered heart attacks from doing so.
'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
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rspi
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Post by rspi »



'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
--------------------
Volvo's of past: '87 740 GLE, '79 262C Bertone, '78 264, 960's, '98 S70 GLT, '95 850 T-5R YellowVolvo Repair Videos
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rguzz
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Post by rguzz »

Amen. Maybe I'll relax a bit more on my next, soon to take place, 1k mile trip in the wagon.
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cn90
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Post by cn90 »

It is in fact cheaper to rent a car, simply b/c you get unlimited mileage (which was not the case 30 years ago).

Considering 900-1000 miles...
- Wear and tear on many parts including tires (which last about 30K or so).
- Depreciation of car values.
etc. etc.

Government these days give ~58 cents/mile for work travel. If you subtract the gas cost (which is similar for your own car and the rented car), which is about 8 cents/ highway mile, then 50 cents/mile for wear and tear cost.

So for 900 miles, it is $450 wear and tear on your own car (tire wear, brake wear, belts, pulleys etc. etc.)...you are ahead if you rent a car, which costs only $30 or so per day.

Many people don't realize this, but for long trip you come out ahead if you rent a vehicle. Plus there is no headache, if you are involved in an accident, simply call the rental company for a new vehicle.
2004 V70 2.5T 100K+
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