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MOTRS

850 / 850 T-5R / 850R

1991-1997 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

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

Timing Belt and Water Pump

Symptoms

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.

Cause

The belt is old and tired. The water pump seizes. The tensioner gives up. Take your pick.

Fix

Replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and all idler pulleys as a package.

No exceptions.

Use OEM Volvo parts for the water pump, aftermarket pumps fail early.

Expect to pay $400-600 in parts if you DIY, double that at a shop.

Interval is 100,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

If you don't know the service history, do it immediately.

Cost mentioned in fix
$400-600 in parts

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Other known issues

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

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.
Common Cooling System

Cooling Fan Failures

The temperature gauge climbs in traffic or at idle. The radiator fan doesn't spin up when it should.
Common Cooling System

Heater Core Leaks

Sweet smell in the cabin, fogged-up windscreen, wet passenger footwell. Coolant loss with no visible external leak.
View all 26 850 / 850 T-5R / 850R problems