How to Troubleshoot a Volvo 850 GLT

Troubleshoot your Volvo from home.

The Volvo 850 GLT represented the culmination of the Volvo Car Corporation in the early 1990s. If your Volvo 850 GLT is making strange noises, leaking gas or wobbling as you drive, you may need to get multiple components repaired or replaced. You can troubleshoot your Volvo 850 compact GLT by yourself, taking about an hour or so of your time. You do not need any training to do this, and you could end up saving money by not having to consult a mechanic.

Instructions

1. Look over your 850, checking for any dents or abrasions to the body. Cosmetic damage may affect the performance of your Volvo's interior components.

2. Check beneath your 850's rear for a gas puddle. If the gas tank has been damaged, your 850 will be leaking gasoline. If you see a puddle of gas, call a mechanic to bring a flatbed truck to transport your car, as it will be unsafe to drive. If you find any puddle that smells like fuel leading from the engine bay to your 850's rear, your 850 is unsafe to drive.

3. Inspect the tires on your Volvo. If the treads are worn flat, they may be affecting your car's performance

4. Check the rear tires to see if they are wobbling. The front tires are always able to turn, but the rear tires should remain straight. If your rear tires are misaligned, the suspension control arms of your 850 are broken. Do not drive it.

5. Listen for a whining noise from your 850's turbine blades, if it is a turbo model. If you do not hear a whining noise, have the turbo inspected by a mechanic. Your Volvo will still be safe to drive, but it will be underpowered. In a V8 model, listen for a roaring sound; you should not hear any banging or knocking sounds from the engine. If you hear banging or knocking sounds, your gasoline may be contaminated.

References

• "Volvo 850 Series 1993 thru 1997"; Haynes; 2000