Volvo 850 Common Problems and Solutions
Gearbox warning lights
Problem:
If either the gearbox warning light or the sport gearbox warning light has appeared on the dashboard, you will have a faulty gear position sensor. If this is the problem, you will most likely also be stuck in third gear.
Solution:
A replacement gear position sensor is needed to fix this problem. Search for your replacement gear position sensor below:
Difficulty level
Engine breather blocked
Problem:
If you have noticed that there is a little puff of smoke coming from the dipstick hole when you lift out the dipstick, the engine breather is blocked. This will happen when the engine is running.
Solution:
You will need to unblock the engine breather to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Engine misfiring
Problem:
If you are having trouble with the engine misfiring, it is most likely due to a blocked throttle housing. This part can get blocked up with a carbon build up causing irregular idling (misfiring). You may also be noticing that there is a lack of acceleration and power.
Solution:
You will need to give the throttle housing a clean out to remove the carbon build up. You can do this with a toothbrush and a cleaner such as carb cleaner. Have a look at the video below for an idea how to do this yourself and save a lot of money in the process:
Difficulty level
Metallic tapping noise/poor starting
Problem:
The tappets can fail on this vehicle. Two common symptoms of this failure are poor starting and/or a loud metallic tapping noise coming from the top of the engine as you open the bonnet.
Solution:
If you are having the symptoms above, then you need to replace the tappets to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
