1993 960 Trying to Diagnose

kingoftherodeo · Post by **kingoftherodeo** » 15 Nov 2013, 12:53

Hello all!

Here is my issue:

Last night, not more than a minute into my drive to the store, my 960 started acting funny... I would hit the gas but the car wouldn't go. No RPMs, no rev-ing. I pulled over thinking maybe the gears were not shifting right (it is an automatic transmission) and it needed a second to get back on track, a 'reset' of sorts. But while I am sitting there idling, it began to shake and or putter a bit. It would stay running/idling but it did have a shake to it. I have never had this problem with this Volvo before. I was able to get it back to my house by basically putting it in drive and coasting back.

Today I started it up, everything seemed fine (I hit the gas and the RPMs went up like normal) so I decided to take it around the block to be sure. And, sure enough, about a minute in, the problem started again. Only this time the car was idling a bit more rough than it had last night. And now when I try to hit the gas the car shuts off.

I am NOT a mechanic by any means and my automotive knowledge is very limited, which may have been obvious as per some of the aforementioned but I WANT to learn. I have done pads/rotors/calipers/shocks/struts on my 960 so far, and it has been such a rewarding process. I would love to tackle this issue as well. I really do need some input as to a diagnosis. My guess was the fuel filter or the alternator??? Any thing you guys have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

lindy8_man · Post by **lindy8_man** » 26 Nov 2013, 22:47

Time to invest in an manual, and learn OBD I. You need to pull the codes from the engine to give you an idea of what is going on. There are threads in here about OBD I.

Without those codes, it would be hard to diagnose. Engines need Gas, Air and spark to fire properly. The computer controls all three! But that same computer is relying on sensors to tell it how much of each it needs. Without those codes, you are poking around in the dark hoping to pick the right sensor or component.

Don't be afraid! These cars are pretty forgiving for a new wrench turner!