850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) Issues

Symptoms

Surging idle, erratic revs, engine stalling, poor throttle response. You might get fault codes 1610, 1604, 1614. The car may refuse to start or only start after multiple attempts.

Cause

The ETM gets dirty or the throttle position sensor fails. This is less common than forums suggest, but when it happens it's a pain.

Fix

Clean the throttle body thoroughly with carb cleaner.

Check all the electrical connections and clean them with contact cleaner.

If that doesn't fix it, replace the throttle body gasket (it can cause air leaks).

Worst case, replace the ETM ($300-500).

Do not ignore fault codes, clear them and see if they return.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-500

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Alternator Failures

Battery light on, dimming headlights, dead battery after a short drive. You might hear a grinding or squealing noise from the alternator.

Minor Electrical

Central Locking Pump Failures

Central locking works intermittently or not at all. You hear a buzzing or grinding from behind the rear side trim.

Common Electrical

Dashboard Mounting Tab Failures

Creaks and rattles from the dashboard. In severe cases, the dash shifts or sags.

Common Engine

PCV System Oil Leaks and Breather Box Failures

Oil everywhere, particularly around the back of the engine and firewall. You might see smoke at idle or a rough idle. In severe cases, the turbo oil feed line can blow apart because the crankcase is pressurised like a balloon.

Critical Engine

Timing Belt and Water Pump

The engine suddenly stops. If you're lucky, nothing else happens. If you're not, you've just destroyed pistons, valves, and possibly the head. This is an interference engine.

Critical Engine

Oil Consumption (Turbocharged Models)

You're adding a litre of oil every 1000-2000 km. Blue smoke on startup or under boost.

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