96 Volvo 850 Wagon Multiple Problems ABS Radio Check Engine

[clarkr]

96 Volvo 850 Turbo Wagon
Engine Type: 57 2.3L
Mileage: 212,002

Hi all, problems keep building and I need to take care of them.

A) ABS TRAC lights intermittently come on. Sometimes when driving, other times when started. Will go off sometimes when turn car off and restart. Other times will go off when started after driving a mile or three. Sometimes it takes longer and more on off to turn off. Doesn't always come on, just occasionally.

Odometer and Speedometer both working correctly.

Replaced RF and LF CV axle shafts in 2023
Replaced rear rotors and ABS speed sensors 2024

I need to get a handle on which tests to use or how to determine what the problem is. Too many expensive options.

1. ABS module going bad.. Solution is to replace.
2. Ignition Switch. I have had a weak spring in this switch for a number of years. When turn car on ABS and Trac lights come on and stay on as return spring doesn't work correctly. Unless I manually turn the key a little to the off position the lights go off and I can now shift the car into gear. I read that this could be a problem with this intermittent lights on problem.
3. ABS wheel sensor module bad. Bad wheel sensor wiring.
4. ABS Reductor Ring Gear bad. Broken or rusted badly.

These are all expensive and time consuming options to repair. Is there any way to narrow it down so I am not throwing money at this?

B) Check Engine Light: Comes on usually after driving on the highway for some time and sometimes comes on after highway use when slow to 45 or less. I can run anywhere from 50 to 120 miles before it trips the Check Engine light. Been this way for years. Keep clearing codes and trying to find solution.

Pulling 2 codes: P0131 and P0137. Bank 1 and Bank 2 Cause?
1. O2 sensor either upstream or downstream has gone bad. I replaced the upstream one a couple years ago. didn't seem to help.
2. Injector problem? Is this possible?. I don't know how to test for this if it would be a cause.
3. Fuel pump or fuel pump filter problems? Is this possible? How to test this.

Any idea's on narrowing this down to one or the other?

C) Radio Problem: Battery went dead. Typed in what I thought was correct code. Went into OFF mode.
I can't get this OFF mode to return to CODE. I put key into ACC or no. 1 position with radio off for over 3 hours. No luck. Left it overnight again no luck. Disconnected battery overnight no different.

Is there any way to return to the CODE mode so I can type it in? Any way to completely remove this security garbage permanently? What an incredibly STUPID idea from Volvo to prevent theft of a radio.

Thanks to all in advance.

Clark

[erikv11]

For A: not sure but I'd probably replace the electrical portion of the ignition switch first. The ABS light doesn't usually come on and off if a component is bad; try this link for troubleshooting: https://midwest-abs.com/troubleshooting/

For B: Check for vacuum leaks, this is most likely. I'd start with the little rubber elbow on the intake manifold near the thermostat housing, but a good approach is to just replace all of that 30-year old, crumbling rubber viewtopic.php?t=63615

For C: viewtopic.php?t=60407 but you're going to need to right code to get out of this. No, it can't be bypassed it is hard-wired into the radio.

[clarkr]

Thanks erikv11 for the reply.

A. I will replace the the ign switch and see what happens.
B. Great link. I have replaced many vacuum lines in the past including PVC and it's related items. I replaced some vacuum lines using the silicone type lines also (is that a good idea or not?)

Is there anyplace to buy a complete vacuum line kit? I have had problems figuring out sizes and where to buy them in the past.

C. Here is the problem with the radio... it is not going to the CODE mode. It is staying in the OFF mode that you can't enter anything into. You are locked out.

I tried the 2 hour thing in position 1 (ACC) with radio off without any luck. Tried the same with the radio on showing OFF still no luck. Even left it overnight with same results. It just will not go to CODE mode to type in the codes to get it to work. Only thing I have not tried is running car over 2 hours with radio off.

Should I try turning the key to on position and not start it for the 2 hours or will that hurt or damage anything doing it that way? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Clark

[clarkr]

1. ABS module going bad.. Solution is to replace.
2. Ignition Switch. I have had a weak spring in this switch for a number of years. When turn car on ABS and Trac lights come on and stay on as return spring doesn't work correctly. Unless I manually turn the key a little to the off position the lights go off and I can now shift the car into gear. I read that this could be a problem with this intermittent lights on problem.
3. ABS wheel sensor module bad. Bad wheel sensor wiring.
4. ABS Reductor Ring Gear bad. Broken or rusted badly.

TEST #2: I replaced the ignition switch with one I pulled some years ago from a junkyard. The original was in really bad condition and came apart taking it out. Still in the process of putting steering column together and testing. Will keep updated results on here later.

[scot850]

I just sent my brother a link to IPDUSA. They have a kit of vacuum elbows. Been a while since I worked on an 850 engine. I know some have an elbow on the timing belt end of the engine on the intake that like to rot and fall off. Not easy to see or notice. Can't recall if all engines had tis or if it was an NA v's turbo issue.

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/5321/13 ... ftermarket

They did have another kit of 2 Volvo elbows, but not sure what they were for.

Neil.