95 850 ABS light on- basic questions.

thepixinator · Post by **thepixinator** » 01 Jun 2019, 13:25

I have a 1995 850 GLT sedan with 199,045 miles and the ABS light came on yesterday after I’d been driving a mile or so. This is Southern Arizona so it’s hot already.
Today, so far after a couple of miles the light’s not on. (As a side note, when I start the car each day the check engine light comes on for the first mile or so and then turns off. I know old Volvos have issues with lights coming on for no reason.)
I have zero mechanical ability beyond checking the fluids. I want to make this car last until December-ish. It’s old and it drives like a potato, but it’s my potato, and I love it.
My question is - Can the average Joe diagnose and fix this or does it need an expert? Do I take it to my shadetree mechanic who may be able to diagnose and fix it inexpensively, or take it to the big European shop where I know it will be repaired to exacting standards but possibly cost more than the car is worth? It’s a good little car, and I want to care for it well but not beyond financial reason.
If this forum is more for experts just tell me and I’ll try to find another one. Thanks!
Julie in Arizona

Post by **abscate** » 01 Jun 2019, 14:43

Greetings Julie from AZ.
We are all levels and especially female friendly here because Most of us are grownup.

On the light that comes on and self clears, could it say SERVICE ? That one is just a reminder and turns it self off.

A check engine light rarely self clears, unless the fault is fixed.

If you need 6 months from the car, it’s ok to drive it without ABS.

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Jun 2019, 15:08

I agree with sbscate, I would run it without ABS if you don't intend to keep it long term.

On a 95 850 the ABS fix is not always simple, but if it is one of the simpler problems (dirty ABS sensor) then the average Joe shade-tree mechanic could probably fix it.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 01 Jun 2019, 21:45

On a '95 you can read and clear the ABS codes from the OBD-1 port under the hood of the car. When you plug the flywire into port number 3 on the A side (ignition to position II) and then press the button the LED will emit a series of short flashes with pauses. Have something to write the codes down with.

The format is a series of three numbers for each error code. For example flash <pause> flash flash <pause> flash flash flash would be 1-2-3 when you get to end of the codes you can reset them by the following procedure:

Depress diagnostic button for at least 5 seconds, then release. Three seconds after button is released LED will light. While LED is lit press button again. Hold button down for at least 5 seconds and then release. LED will go out. Turn ignition off.

There are more details in the factory manual which can be downloaded at:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/downl ... vo_850.zip

See the document named "anti lock brake system and traction control.pdf" after you unzip it.

If there are a bunch of codes I would suggest that you clear them, drive the car, and then read them again. The error codes accumulate until they are cleared even if the problem no longer exists.

...Lee

thepixinator · Post by **thepixinator** » 05 Jun 2019, 08:01

Thank you for all your replies. Yes, it’s the Service Reminder indicator that comes on every day.
Oddly enough the ABS light has not come back on since I posted this question. It’s good to know I can drive without ABS. I’ll probably take the car to my shadetree mechanic for a checkup anyway and show him all your tips for clearing the codes. The Potato loves its codes that’s for sure.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jun 2019, 15:21

Yes, it’s the Service Reminder indicator that comes on every day.

Thats also Volvo's reminder to donate either your money or your love to MVS every 7500 miles. And don't forget to click on the Amazon link to buy stuff there, too,

Seriously, donating is a personal issue and we don't keep score here.

tardcart · Post by **tardcart** » 05 Jun 2019, 19:20

all the turbo 95's are obd2, not sure of the NA. You can swap a 95 computer into a 96 and everything is supported except the computer is looking for the EGR.

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Jun 2019, 23:17

The turbo 95's that are OBD-2, also have an OBD1 box like Lee mentioned. They have both - all 95's have the OBD-1 port.

You can similarly put a 98 S70 ECU into a 95 and the computer will be happy except for any missing or different smog equipment, not sure what you are getting at there about the ECU swaps?