97 850 turbo - solenoid, ABS unit, and Motor Mounts quest.

my850 · Post by **my850** » 22 Apr 2009, 07:46

Took my car in yesterday to what seems to be an honest volvo mechanic. He said I need a new solenoid that is not getting power, but said it is not a for sure fix to save the transmission, yet minutes later said that most older volvos do not need a new transmission, a new solenoid should do the trick in saving it, and thats why I see so many old volvos on the road today.
How do I approach this? Should I have the solenoid replaced?
He did the basics for now, replacing the vacuum hoses, and air hose, and cleaned the electrical connectors. I'm changing the spark plugs myself, and getting a new battery within a month, as he said it's also about to go. The previous owner of my car had the ABS unit replaced in 2001. Is it common for it to go out already? My light keeps coming on from time to time, and my breaking is less then stellar. So I figured it needed to be replaced soon. He and other mechanics also told me I need to have new motor mounts put in. Again the previous owner replaced motor mounts in 2003, ( I have her old invoices and old paperwork from all work she had done on the car) Is it common that also needs to be replaced so soon ? The car starts but is a weak start, and it seemed it stuttered or misfired the other day, that was my reason for taking it in. Strapped a bit for cash, so just trying to do the easy fixes for now. So my question is, how likely is it that changing the solenoid will save the transmission, and does it look like bad motor mounts & a bad ABS unit were put in, or is this common? Any advice & help is appreciated. Thanx.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Apr 2009, 20:10

Let's back up just a bit.

What were the symptoms that led you to the mechanic in the first place?

I assume that your mechanic was talking about a transmission solenoid. Was it S-1, S-2, or S-L?

Flashing up arrow on the instrument cluster?

Does the car feel like it is dragging a safe when it starts from a stop?

As far as the ABS goes, it should not change normal braking unless the modulator sprung a leak. If it only flashes errors you might want to clean up the wheel sensors and the reluctance rings on the hubs.

Motor mounts should last a good long time - unless they were Scan Tech replacements. Anything Scan Tech will only last for 6 months at tops.

Which motor mount(s) is/are bad?

...Lee

my850 · Post by **my850** » 23 Apr 2009, 12:24

My symptoms were, it felt like the car kind of dragged. Dragging a small save might be okay to describe it, or misfired when I would stop at a red light, and then proceed, yes.
Worried it would be a transmission issue, I took it in. The mechanic pulled one code : 332, "lock up solenoid missing".
I couldnt afford to have it fixed that day. So he cleaned things up, changed a few hoses and it seems to be okay for now, although I have not driven it in turbo since then, kinda scared to. Yes I have the flashing arrow and had the pnp switch replaced about 6 months ago, but this mechanic said the flashing arrow cannot be reset because of the solenoid issue. Untill I fix that, they cannot reset anything on the dash. The mechanic that put in the pnp switch, said I do not need a new transmission. The car is fine and hearty.
I will look into cleaning up the abs wheel sensors. But yes my breaking kind of stutters...I have to break slow and a few times. The car does not shake, just kind of feels like they are slipping, if that makes sense ?
The invoice for the motor mounts is from the dealer, and installed by the dealer, so I do not know what kind of motor mount replacement parts they used, it does not say. But I figure if they were replaced 6 yrs ago, they should be okay still, if it's a dealer part ? Guess I have to suck that one up then. Thanx for your help Lee !!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Apr 2009, 16:44

My suggestion is to find another mechanic- he's trying to take you for a lot of repairs (motor mounts, etc.) that are probably not needed. In regards to the solenoid, how you describe how your car is driving doesn't point to the transmission...if you're worried, I would flush or do a drain and fill of the transmission fluid and see if things improve and you can get rid of that pesky light. I'm sure Lee will have other suggestions that are probably better as he has a fleet of 850 and has probably experienced some of what you are experiencing now.

my850 · Post by **my850** » 23 Apr 2009, 17:24

Okay I will try a tranny flush then. But what about the code
332 that came up. I looked up the list of codes from this website and it points to it being one of the solenoids as the mechanic described. Is this somthing they can just make up and pull out of a hat, thinking people like me wont research it?
I always get surprised when they tell me everything that is wrong because I never get the shaking that is supposed to be (or what I've been told) associated with bad motor mounts, the car starts right up, I've not had any shifting issues either, just the check engine light, abs light from time to time, and the flashing arrow still after having the pnp switch replaced. Okay I guess I will try the tranny flush, and change the spark plugs too. I guess I'll also wait to see if Ozark Lee has any other suggestions too. Thanx so much again. I've been checking with you guys for a few years now, even donated last year on help a moderator month, because I appreciate the help you guys offer, and give. More then appreciated ! You guys rock !

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Apr 2009, 18:36

When transmission fluid is low or dirty, often that solenoid will act up...so flush or rather just drain and fill and see if it goes away- sometimes the solenoid code isn't an indication that the solenoid is bad but what surrounds it is bad. At least this is my opinion- still the solenoid can be changed out although it's a pretty taxing feet- the bottom of the transmission has to come off (if I recall correctly). I would think that if this clears up the up arrow flashing will also disappear- or it could be your relatively new PNP switch needs adjusting...these are a bit of a pain to line up properly.

my850 · Post by **my850** » 23 Apr 2009, 22:08

Okay will drain and add tranny fluid, change spark plugs and shortly there after will get a new battery. Yeah cant get anyone to do the solenoid for me, so that I would have to take it in to have it replaced. Thanx as always MIJ !