hi guys I did post in another forum as I couldnt work out how to start a new one ! my recently purchased T5R has no ABS or TRACS lights on the dash. garage who recenctly changed the discs commented it is an MOT fail . I have 10 months to fix it.
Can anyone tell me if it is likely to be just two dead bulbs or has the previous dealer removed the bulbs ? I can't imagine them blowing ? what should I look for for a fix, any good independent repairers in southampton area. ?

rgds

Jules

Check the codes in the engine and transmission. Then try fixing them one by one. How do you know that the lights are bad?

if it is the abs/traction control, you will need a new/rebuilt module. does the car stop? quickly/ if not, then you need a new module.

It doesnt matter who did it, the onus is now upon you to check.
:)

Here' s a quick way to check (best works if you have skinny hands):
Remove the dash-cover underneath, where the knees are.
Wiggle your skinny hands up to the instrument panel.
Feel for holes at the areas where the ABS/TRACS lights should be.
If there IS a hole, then you're missing a bulb.
(Dont worry, i once hit a pothole, an a bulb rolled and dropped to my feet from the back of the panel...)
Fit 1 bulb (the same way you get in there) .

Then read the codes, even if there is no lights from the ABS/TRACS.

ok guys don't know if there are no bulbs or not, but they never come on. I've done some emergancy stops and it seems to stop ok, but I have not had an ABS car before to know the difference.

Do appreciate any advice.

how do I read the codes, is this something I need to buy ? sorry for being thick here ! let me know about reading codes that sounds the best first move.

Here is a website that explains reading codes on a 93' - 95' 850.

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a2.html

Also happens to be a great forum and resource for Volvo. :thumbsup:

If the ABS is ok you should get the warning light on when you first turn the ignition key to position II.

When you start the car it should flicker out.

Now turn the radio off and the heater down low and pull away normally. Just as you hit 20MPH you should hear a clunk from what seems like the LH side of the engine compartment. This is the ABS system doing a self test. no lights after this should mean all is OK.

I have noticed that if you clear all codes as described above then the FIRST time you switch the car on the ABS light stays on untill you hit 20 MPH, then the clunk, then it goes off.

If the clunk is there, but you never get any light, i would suggest the bulb may be faulty, the only sure way to know is grit your teeth get up to speed and nail the brake to see if the ABS works or not.

Next question, how do you know the car has TRACS? It wasn't standard on this age of car so with no lights why would someone assume it should be there?

Have fun removing your teeth from the steering wheel :grin:

ohhhhhhhhh thats what that noise is lol. i have spent so much time trying to figure out what it is

and does the tracs even do anything? cuz it only goes on for a couple seconds when i speed over a huge hill and the car lifts a bit or when i turn too fast and start to slide. but it never seems to do anything more than to jsut light up.

Uncle Ben, his is a T5R, so there should be TRACS in his ride.
:)

You are of course correct nephew Bear!

Now repeat after me everyone..... Uncle Ben must pay more attention :blush: :grouphug:

Bring your car over to the UK in winter, with our salt encrusted wet roads and you may just see that light on more often :grin:

Sounds like your car at least thinks the TRACS is working :thumbsup:

ok, thanks for the link to the volvospeed. I will look at the codes Wednesday and report back, hope it isn't 4 - 2 -4 !!!!!!!!!!

Rgds to all for your input

just did the error code checks and got
engine 121 ( MAF sensor, I'll have a go at cleaning it )

ABS - 141 ( pedal signal faulty - cruise doesn't work either ? related ? )

142 ( stop lamp switch faulty )

have reset them ok.

will see what tomorrows drive brings........

The most common problem for cruise control is the vacuum hose under the battery plate breaks and thus leaks air in. Change them to silicone and forget about it for the next 10 years (hopefully...HEHE)

The not so common are the assembly and connections behind your pedals.