Latest Volvo 960 Frequently Asked Questions:
I have a 1996 960 volvo automatic transmission. What could i do to noticeably get more hp out of it. It has a 2.9 L V6 24 valve and for Power: 135 kW , 181 HP @ 5,200 rpm; 199 ft lb @ 4,100 rpm. Im new at this stuff so cut me some slack and can yha kinda make it so i can understand what your talking about
Answer:Although I understand your need for power, there are some things you MUST do to the car before you can get ready to get there. I drive a 2002 volvo s40 and although the cars are different and area bout 6 years apart, the fundamentals are the same with a similar fix. Basically, make sure you have done ALL your level 0 maintainence. What I mean by that is make sure you've; - Changed oil - Changed transmission oil (if it's an auto) - replaced fuel filter, - inspect and replace if necessary fuel pump, - spark plugs - spark plug wires / coils - air filter Those are necssary so that you can get he most out of your major engine parts, especially as you read further into this. Next, what I recommend is going to a volvo fourm, I'm lucky because I have an enthusiast forum dedicated to just MY model of s40 (from 2000-2004) at s40concepts.net but MANY cars have enthusiast boards where there is a lot of DO IT YOURSELF information and you can ask questions on how to upgrade your car. Some general volvo forums would be (i'm a member of all of them) www.volvospeed.com (great place to start) www.swedespeed.com/ www.volvoforums.com/ www.volvo-forums.com and search for 960 forums. Having looked through all of them, they each have a lot of info on your model car but take a look at all and see what you like. Lastly, I recommend after upgrading all your small parts and doing your basic maintenence, you look at www.upsolute.com They are an ECU (engine control unit) modification company, and because your car is a volvo they may be able to reprogram it for more power in your RPM range. For my car it's a dramatic 40hp increase with an additonal 57lbs/ft of torque, but I have a turbo and I don't think you do.
my 1992 volvo 960 is idling high and in gear at stoplights and hiccupping at 60mph. Is this a major tranny problem or just an overdrive or idler gear fix?
Answer:this problem will undoubtedly have a 2 part answer for the high idle speed, suspect vacume leak[s] [possibly at the boots where the plenum actually joins the intake manifold] generally the car will start and run cold, but a miss will develop as the car warms up.other possibilities include a sticky constant idle motor, an out of range [but still working RARE] coolant temp sensor,or even a dirty misadjusted throttle body or throttle cable. as for the 60 mph hiccuping suspect high voltage side of ignition troubles [either spark plugs,ignition coil[s], or coil boots. [most common] [least common [i have only seen this three times period] on the coil harness [low voltage side] the connector pin backs out of the connector [2 times at the quick disconnect for the harness and once at one of the individual coils] hope this helps good luck
I just had a pre purchase diagnostic done on a 1994 Volvo 960. Everything checks out fine except for these problems: 1) won't start in neutral 2) PNP switch need replacement / repair . Are these signs of a deeper problem to come? I'm also considering a 1994 Volvo 850 - non turbo. Any opinion on which one is "better"?
Answer:Both have drawbacks.If i were you i would look around for a 940.These are the best cars built by volvo.Very low maintanance and very few problems.Also for an added bonus they are non interference engines, meanning that if you do have a timing belt fail just slap on a new one and you are good to go. Not to mention the engine itself is bulletproof.I have seen 1,000,000 KMs on this engine before and commonly see up over 500,000 KMs
I am tired of using tape input and FM transmitters. Is there not a way to use a 2-way auxiliary cable? I have a 6 disc changer, and a stock stereo system with an amp if that helps.
Answer:Yeah man its only way to connect, there are a lot discussion in volvo forums,but even they use FM transmitters.
when weather got cold, loud rattle from rear underneath, which picked up pace according to speed of car. no power going up steep hill and some vibration in steering wheel. Volvo dealership was not conclusive in diagnosis - probably need drive shaft. Now that weather has warmed up, no noise, no vibration. Help!
Answer:not likey a shaft bad happens very little or not offen in a life time of a car.... only sign would be a load pop when you put in gear and it would nt last long if it was bad you would be walking.. you got vibration in the wheel then have the tires balance.. and dont go to the dealer for work on a older car it just cost you more money...most of the time the guys doing the work are young and dont have a lot of time working on cars they just dont know everything...... if the shaft was bad you would sure know it the car would shake all the time if it was bent only way that happen if you ran off the road and hit something really hard if the joints are bad they only last a few days before braking and then it will not move. sounds like its a tuneup think like fuel or a spark thing and not a shaft thing .. in most case you will wear out a motor before you would a shaft
