97 850 GLT, Stalls A LOT

[ButeoPatch]

Well, since cleaning the PTC the smoking has subsided. First relief there.
Another MAF will be here tomorrow and I am REALLY hoping that will rectify the stalling issue. It is very temperature dependent and I am finding it more and more annoying. To me this is really showing it to be the MAF as when the ambient temperature is more cold (30-40 degrees F), or more hot (68+ degrees F) it is worse. Lately where I live it has been fluctuating so often I am getting a constant mixer, and each time it makes the stalling/hesitation slightly different.

[ButeoPatch]

I feel like I have taken over this thread, sorry.

So I put in the new MAF and tried to clear the code by leaving the + terminal off for 10 minutes or so... the code remained. I drove it for a while and no sign of stalling... a/c on, a/c off... seemed fine.
Took it to UhOh Zone and had the codes pulled again... 7 new codes! Holy crap, started to freak a little bit. Cylinder 4 and 5 were misfiring, ignition modules, etc. etc.
I went home and checked my spark plugs and sure enough there is hardly a point left on the things. They looked horrible.
It really needs a full tune up which I will do shortly, however seems that my initial problems since I purchased it have subsided.
No smoke (after cleaning PTC), no stalling (after new MAF and plugs).

The PVC system will need full replacement eventually, and a tune up/fresh oil change is in order.

[kcjones]

We have failed you. From what I have seen in the forums, the majority of problems can be resolved with plugs, MAF, fluid exchange, and vacuum check. I must've lost track, I thought I had recommended checking spark and vacuum leaks.

To make up for this, hopefully, definitely do distributor cap and rotor, and consider wires. I know most people say that as long as resistance checks out ok the wires will do, but they fail to mention the possibility that the wires can arc internally and leave the plug itself with an insufficient charge.

Fuel filter! Best ten minutes you'll ever spend, knowing it is not the problem. Add some fuel treatment while you're at it.

[ButeoPatch]

Thanks kcjones.
The weather is looking nice the next coming days so a tune up and oil change is definitely in order.
Good idea about the fuel filter, that should be a must I would think after seeing how clogged the PTC was, I imagine the fuel filter has not been changed in some time.
Do you normally order your tune up stuff from places like IPD and FCPgroton? I know the local Auto Zones and Pep Boys are not exactly the best places to go, especially for a Swedish car...

Thanks again, big help!

[jreed]

IPD and FCP are both good. You might also consider http://www.eeuroparts.com/
I've purchased from them before and they have relatively good prices, fast shipping, excellent diagrams and information about parts on their website.
Another good source is Darryl Waltrip Volvo in Tennessee. Don Snyder in their parts department is pretty helpful. You can get quotes by email from Don: Don.Snyder (at) HendrickAuto.com

[jblackburn]

Well the (other) good news is that it also doesn't sound like you wasted money on the mass airflow sensor - it sounds like it needed that as well. Glad you got it running again!

[kcodyjr]

I buy all my parts from FCP if they have it, IPD is my second choice, and the stealership is my third.

I get all my fluids, cleaners, wax, drain pans, etc. from the local AutoZone.

Exception is coolant; I ordered that from FCP last time.

About fuel treatment; I've been told by every dealer trained mechanic I've ever met, nothing but Techron in a Volvo.

[ButeoPatch]

Awesome, will complete the tune up hopefully this week when the new wires, cap/rotor and fuel filter come in... fresh oil change will follow. I usually stick with Mobil 1, any objections?

Yesterday I took the car out for a 390+ mile cruise/test... city, highway and mountain driving. NEVER skipped a beat, very impressed with the ride and the performance. On the way back home the check engine light cleared itself (I never reset it, was told if the problem was rectified the code should clear after a few driving cycles).

Once again, thanks for all the suggestions and information!

I did order the parts from FCP groton and took advantage of the "Spring11" sale code.. 10% off so I saved a little compared to the others.

[kcodyjr]

Mobil 1 is a fine choice of oil. Do yourself a favor and stick with the Mann filters - though, the Mobil1 is a good second choice, especially if they're offering a deal for a filter plus a case of oil.