Tired of volvo problems: new engine/drive-train? issue

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 25 Jun 2004, 21:17

okay, I love to drive volvos. They make me so happy when they work. But this is becoming rediculous.

Here's the problem:

If I put my 850 GLT into gear -- it can be drive, 1, 3, or reverse, then rpms will jump from 800 down to 500 to 850 to 250 to 800 and just keep fluctuating. All the while the car is vibrating like crazy and it's just not a pretty sight. If I leave it in neutral, it doesn't do this. If I give it gas, it struggles up to around 3000, and then it performs great past that. So basically I'm okay, as long as I never stop at a red light :p.

Now, I have started the engine, popped the hood, and left it in Park and checked the engine. There seems to be unneccessary movement by the belt-tensioner.

The car is basically un-drivable, and I am flat broke. Does anyone have insight on what could possibly be the culprit, and possible solutions to the issue? My head is running through various possibilities, from motor mount to fuel pump relay to torque converter... I just don't know. And as I said, I don't have the money to start swapping parts senselessly. All opinions welcome.

Please help my volvo. she's sick, and it hurts me to see her like this

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Jun 2004, 00:52

Mass airflow sensor gunked... Air filter clogged... Vaccum leak... those are the items that come to mind.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 26 Jun 2004, 00:59

I'll clean the maf with contact cleaner. The air filter is new. Not a vac leak I don't think, I checked em over. I'll check again tho.

The engine vibrates and the belt tensioner is rocking back and forth -- I don't think it's supposed to do that, lol.

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Jun 2004, 11:18

Ah... spark plug wire worn, and it grounds to the block occasionally. That'll cause a rough idle.

Or bad spark plug/fouled spark plug?

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 26 Jun 2004, 11:28

but would the spark issue not be apparant at higher rpm?

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Jun 2004, 11:58

I don't know... it's hard to say. I had a '78 Porsche 924 with a worn spark plug wire, and the engine performance was what I'd characterize as 'lumpy.' Can't remember if it was even across all rpms or not. You should be able to see the electricity's arc in a dark garage. Don't touch!

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 26 Jun 2004, 13:12

i took it to the shop this morning. They won't have an answer for me until monday, howver. Still very interested in anyone's suggestions. Someone was trying to convince me it's the torque converter -- but since it shifts really smoothly, I don't think that is the problem (I hope not, because a new torque converter is $1800+labor).

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 26 Jun 2004, 17:10

well, they said it was the camshaft position sensor. $300 later the condition of the car did not change. It probably did need the sensor because their scan-computer was pulling around 50 codes for camshaft position sensor problems.

However, here's the bad news: I need a new torque converter and they strongly recommended a new transmission -- to the tune of $1800 parts + $650 labor... Well, I can't believe it. I bought this car 2 weeks ago, and I've spent $1500 on it so far, with another $2000 comming up. That's the cost of the car!

Does anyone know any recourse I have with the previous owner? I do not want this vehicle anymore. I have written proof from the shop that the previous owner was informed of this problem on numerous occassions. It is not morally right to sell me this car in this condition -- but is there any legal recourse? I specifically asked about the condition of the transmission before purchasing, and he said the transmission was just rebuilt 3 months prior and was in perfect condition. I have written proof that the transmission was NOT rebuilt EVER, and that he was specifically warned about the transmission and torque converter and instructed to replace them.

Can I do anything?

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Jun 2004, 18:48

Ouch! Well, let's see what we can do:

In order to be enforceable, a contract cannot violate "public policy".

http://www.expertlaw.com/library/pubart ... t_law.html
Meaning, if there's a state law about disclosure on auto sales, you have a case for that.

Document everything from this point forward, including today's events. Make copies of the written proof that the prior owner knew about the problem.

This takes a more pessimistic tone than the prior quote:

* Private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 26 Jun 2004, 19:59

not good news.

Okay, well, I have to decide what I'm gonna do with the car. I mean, I would have spent as much as the purchase price in repairs if I fix it. But it's also not in what I consider a sellable condition. And although the previous owner that sold it to me was a jerk, I do not wish to do the same to someone else.

I have never filed an insurance claim (never been in an accident, knock on wood) so I do not know this : would insurance cover this? I assume not, but I guess it can't hurt to ask.

I called the previous owner and there was no answer. I find this quite unsettling because I have left messages at his home before I purchased the vehicle. I am hoping that his answering machine simply needs to be replaced, and it's malfunction is only a coincidence. At this point it appears he sold me the car and did everything he could to run away.

Also, I took the vehicle to another mechanic last week (to get the motor mount and serpentine belt replaced) and I had him look at the transmission, but he did not mention any problems. I specifically paid him to give the car a once-over head-to-toe to check it. I am frustrated that he did not see this problem. I assume I have no recourse there, either, but I am upset that I paid him to find these problems, and he did nothing for me.

Wow, this is a really stressfull experience.