1996 Volvo 850: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed May 18, 2009 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · MD

I have a 1996 volvo 850 turbo station wagon. It has only 41,000 miles but the ABS light would come on and off. I am told this is a common problem for the car. Volvo claims it is one of the safest car on the road and quite reliable. I disagree. Pls. Ask volvo to issue a recall as this is annoying and could prove to be dangerous.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · CO

1996 volvo 850 - ABS light intermittent - not sure if ABS is working or not - told by volvo repair specialists that this is a common occurrence on the 96 & 97 models - also told that ABS computer has tendency to burn out relatively quickly on this model & year - told to go ahead and replace it - again - had it replaced less than 4 years ago -

Filed Sep 16, 2008 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · MO

1996 volvo 850 ABS light intermittent not sure if ABS is working or not comes and goes.

Filed Aug 1, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · WA

Heat generated in the engine compartment causes ABS control module and traction control module to fail in my '96 volvo 850r. As of today, there's 3 modules already replaced (each costing $800). The dealer said that the control module fails because it's not designed by the manufacturer to withstand typical engine heat. The chatroom of volvo owners (www.brickboard.com) is filled with the same complaint from various model years. The failure of the braking system is especially dangerous since the failure causes intermittent braking capability and hazardous during winter/snowy road conditions. The failure is sudden and without warning.

Filed Jun 22, 2005 · Brakes · 63,988 miles · LA

Abs control unit failure on 96 volvo 850 with just over 60,000 miles on it. Abs light comes on due to failure in unit. Failure is a result of cracks that develop in circuit board. Abs fails & is no longer operable leading to hazardous braking condition. This is a common & well known issue on 850 volvo's. Internet message boards and volvo repair specialists and members of volvo community all know that ABS light coming on means 90% chance total failure of unit is involved. Repair cost is prohibitive. Replacement of defective unit is $650 to $900.00.

Filed Mar 28, 2005 · Brakes · 96,000 miles · CT

After starting the vehicle the ABS warning light illuminated and stayed on until the vehicle was shut off. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Brakes · NJ · 1 injury

While driving ABS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that ABS pump motor needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 7, 2004 · Brakes · NY

While applying the brakes the ABS brake light appeared on the dashboard, and remained on. Following that the brake pedal went to the floor. This caused a loss of braking power. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it home. Consumer contacted the dealer, and the mechanic determined that the ABS modular unit needed replacement.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes · CT

1996 volvo 850's are plagued with rear main seal failures which cause oil to leak onto clutches as well as on to the exhaust systems, creating the potential for fires. 1996 volvo 850's are also plagued with ABS control module failures in that the ABS and traction control systems fail to operate at times. This is due to a defective computer module. Volvo 850's are also plagued with poor drivers side wiper designs that result in a large portion of the windshield not being swept by the wiper, washer nozzles return valves also fail frequently, preventing washer fluid from recahing the windshield.

Filed Dec 19, 2003 · Brakes · ID

Hairline crack in circuit board on vehicle computer makes ABS and tracs braking system inoperative. This is an intermittent problem and goes off if the vehicle is stopped and re-started. I talked to an independent volvo repair shop and he indicated that he has replaced ten computer this year in boise, idaho this year on various volvo models, years 1993 to 1998.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Brakes · MI

Bad ABS module.

Filed Sep 20, 2003 · Brakes · 78,600 miles · MI

The ABS and tracs off idiot lamps turn on and off intermittently in my 850. I can be driving around on dry pavement with very little throttle input, and the traction control will engage (audible whirring of the ABS modulator pump and stiff pulsating brake pedal - quickly applied to confirm my suspicion). This will light the lamps. Likewise, I can be braking on a dry surface at a low decel, and the ABS will engage. This will also light the lamps and shut off ABS/tracs. After a while, the lights will turn off, and ABS and tracs function normally. This happens about once or twice a day since the first incident on 7/11/03. I've given an estimate number in the field below. Furthermore, the speedometer functions intermittently. I've traced this issue back to a faulty connection between the vehicle wiring harness and the ABS controller. The times this has happened, the wiring harness has not been fastened securely in the plug on the ABS controller. Removing and replugging the wiring harness into the ABS controller temporarily solves the problem. The wiring harness is coming loose in normal driving conditions. The car is well maintained and is not abused. This has happened two times since the first incident on 7/11/03.