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850 t5 r turbo problems

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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Nicholls39
Posts: 1
Joined: 7 February 2020
Year and Model: 95 850 t5 r
Location: United Kingdom

850 t5 r turbo problems

Post by Nicholls39 »

Hello everyone
Turbo gauge wont pass more than 3/4 of the way around when accelerating. The car also starts to accelerate fast then surges almost like its hitting a limiter.
First component to look at?

I've not had the car long so dont know what has been replaced in its history.

Any advice would be massively appreciated

Cheers in advance.

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Sveedy
Posts: 2069
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Year and Model: 96 850 Turbo
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Post by Sveedy »

I think I'd first check your rubber intercooler hoses. I've heard that when they get old and soft, they will partially collapse when the turbo kicks in, basically clogging everything up.
Try to learn life's bad lessons vicariously through others.


1996 850 Turbo GLH ( Goes Like Hell )
1999 V70 GLT

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jreed
Posts: 1619
Joined: 8 March 2009
Year and Model: '97 Volvo 855 GLT
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Post by jreed »

I agree with the above advice. In addition, it might be a good idea to check all the rubber vacuum lines, in particular those connecting to the boost control solenoid / turbo control valve.
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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erikv11
Posts: 11800
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Year and Model: 850, V70, S60R, XC70
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Post by erikv11 »

And if those checks don't solve the problem, check the CBV diaphragm for tears, especially if it's never been changed. I actually might even look here first if it wasn't such a PITA to check. The hoses are easy and should definitely be inspected.
'95 854 T-5R, Motronic 4.4, 185k
'98 V70, T5 tune-injectors-turbo, LPT engine, 304k, daily driver
'06 S60 R, 197k
'07 XC70, black, 205k
'07 XC70, willow green, 212k
'99 Camry V6 :shock: 153k
gone: '96 NA 850 210k, '98 NA V70 182k, '98 S70 NA 225k, '96 855 NA 169k

magna224
Posts: 44
Joined: 20 November 2011
Year and Model: 850 T5's
Location: Mesa AZ
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Post by magna224 »

I was under the impression that 3/4 was how far it is supposed to go on a stock car. Is that not correct?
Volvo 855 T5 1995
Volvo 854 T5 1996
Toyota MR2 1987

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Clemens
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Year and Model: 96 855 R + 94 855 T5
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Post by Clemens »

Worn ignition components can cause that. Are your sparkplugs, wires, distributor and cap OEM quality and pretty newish? if not, this can cause erratic behaviour like you mentioned.
Summer: 1996 855 R
Winter: 1994 855 T5M
Donor: 1995 854 10V

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