I wish dealerships extended the courtesy of turning off proprietary service and fault code reminders on older vehicles. Most dealers will still charge good money to turn off the unavoidable service reminder in a '97 850. Isn't that a bit greedy? With a little bit of software prowess you can read...
As vehicles age, their hoses quickly become maintenance items that should be inspected and replaced if necessary. The modern engine bay is a myriad of different hoses, each carrying a different fluid with different requirements. It's important to inspect and replace the clamps that attach these...
After 17 or more years in operation, a Volvo 850's blower motor might start to get a bit vocal. The bearings dry out, and the motors tend to howl or squeak. Don't let this noise turn into something more serious, as increased current draw from the blower motor can also cause premature failure of...
It's about that time of year again... Summer is coming and your Volvo 850's A/C still needs to be "topped up" every month. Don't be the guy in the Autozone parking lot recharging with a trigger can of R134a every week. Fix it right and fix it for good. The environment will thank you! This guide...
One of the first things I do upon taking ownership of a car is clean the engine bay. Not only do I despise seeing dirt under the hood, a clean engine makes it easier to work on. Plus, your hands stay cleaner and tools don't get mucked up as quickly. Cleaning under the hood is simple on modern...
The Octane Myth So, you're at the gas station. 87, 89, and 93 are staring you in the face. You glance over at your Mercedes and think, "Only the best for my baby." Do you question the decision you're about to make? 93 is better than 87, right? Well, not always. In layman's terms, 93 octane...
Sometimes auto repair involves more than just replacing the part that failed. We tend to replace larger assemblies rather than individual parts because it's usually easier, even if it's less cost effective and more wasteful. If you think your alternator might have failed, step back and consider...
Most Volvo owners agree it’s not uncommon to want a bit more power out of their reliable old Swede. Having a turbocharger fitted from the factory means you have flexibility in how you increase your engine's power over stock levels. Or, you may have a turbo that is struggling to deliver your...
When the weather hits extremes, your car’s climate control plays a larger role than ever. We often have high expectations of our HVAC units, hoping they can freeze a bag of peas in the summer with the A/C on and boil a pot of water in the winter with the heat on full blast. In reality, all we...
Replacing a car's clutch is never a menial task. When done at home, it often involves a few days, a few 6-packs of your favorite beverage, and a few friends. Despite all of the grunt work, it's important to focus on the small steps that will make your clutch replacement a success and save you...