96 850 50GLT

[lynetteyross]

I have a couple of questions , Sorry,I too have a broken odometer at 115,000. I wanted to know if there was a way to find out what the actual mileage might be on a 96? I just picked this Volvo up at a car auction I have no way of knowing it's history , just decided to take the chance. My daughter is driving it, her issues as stated are the cd player doesn't work, but the radio does, the heater doesn't work on the lower blower, her feet are freezing , the cars pulls to the right when driving, and she said her boyfriend sd he found metal particles in the antifreeze. I am wanting to know what folks would give as to what to do to determine what problems I might be facing. We have it parked since metal particles were discovered in case it's a major issue. I'm open for any help. This is really a great site thanks for the information. I have loved the Volvo's since my Mother owned one and my brother took it over and ran it into the ground after approx 500,000 miles. What should we be expecting as far as MPG goes?
Thanks Lynette Happy New Year. [/b]

[MadeInJapan]

Welcome to MVS. Yes, you have either picked up an 850 that can easily be repaired or maybe one that is going to cost you. The pulling problem is fairly simple- an alignment and tire balancing and checking suspension parts while it's being done- like ball joint (control arm bushings), etc.

You mileage can be checked by yourself if you have the diagnostic boxes under the hood (see repair database section) or if you don't (it being a '96 it probably doesn't, but some did, so you'll have to check) then it's only at the dealer that this can be done and some service depts. won't know what you're talking about (even though they can check this). Btw, the odometer gear is not a difficult fix. Several people make the replacement gear. Look in the repair database section on how to take your dash out and get to the instrument cluster and ultimately the odometer in order to replace the gear.

The main issue is the metal particles in your coolant. Do you know if it's aluminum (radiator) parts or other metal? This is important. If it is other metal, then you could put a large magnet in your over-flow tank, but either way, I would get this checked and flush your coolant to get as much of the debris out as possible. The worst case is that it is actual engine parts...that would be bad because it would mean that coolant has entered your engine by a breach in the radiator or through a bad head gasket. Do you have white smoke out the back? If you do, that's a sure sign and you need to get it looked at promptly or else you're looking at an engine rebuild or replacement.

About mileage- these cars differ considerably depending on how well tuned up they are and what kind of driving you do. Don't expect much more than 17 in the city but you could get up to the high 20's and even 30 on the highway if things are right with the car.

Good luck to you and happy new year!