850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

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

Common Fuel System

Fuel Pump Failures

Symptoms

The car cranks but won't start, or it starts then dies. You might hear the fuel pump whining or buzzing loudly, or complete silence from the tank when you turn the ignition on.

Cause

Age and heat. The in-tank pump eventually gives up. Poor fuel quality doesn't help.

Fix

Replace the fuel pump.

Drop the tank (or cut an access hatch in the boot floor, which is common).

OEM pump is around $200-300.

If you're running a modified turbo car, upgrade to a Walbro 255 ($150) or Bosch 044 external pump.

Check the fuel pump relay in the fusebox as well, it's a common failure point.

Cost mentioned in fix

$200-300$150

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems

Other known issues

Critical Fuel System

Fuel Pressure Regulator Leaks

Fuel smell in the cabin or engine bay. Poor idle, hard starting. You might see fuel leaking from the regulator on the fuel rail.

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.

Common Engine

Turbo Failure (T5 and 850R)

Loss of power, screaming noises, oily exhaust smoke. The car feels gutless and the boost gauge stays flat.

Common Cooling System

Radiator and Expansion Tank Cracks

Coolant loss, overheating, the temperature gauge climbing past 12 o'clock. You might see pink coolant pooling under the car or steam from the bonnet.

View all 26 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems