[KnowItAll]

No. Don't have the workshop manual.

I assume by ABS test you guys mean that I should at reasonable speed hit the brakes hard and try and detect of the ABS kicks in (the brakes give some feedback)

[PettsWood]

A 97/98 Volvo is unlikely to use a cable for the speedo even if it has an analogue dial (mine 94' BMW has an analogue speedo but electronic sensor for picking up the speed).

Usually in the case of a BMW suffering the same problem, the quickest and simplest way is to buy a second hand instructment panel (in the case of a BMW, ranges from $200 - 800) and swap it. I know, you need to DIY and really need to know someone having the same model of car to borrow and test whether it is the instructment panel that is at fault, before wasting money on that. In short, you need to go to a garage.

For the ABS, if you do not want to spend any money, just take the bulb out. I had the same problem and because it was going to cost me a bomb to fix it (to replace the ABS pump), just took out the annoying bulb. I don't drive fast and managed without one (ABS) for the first 10 years of my driving anyway.

[golfduke]

It will be quite difficult to do an ABS test on dry pavement anywhere. Most cars ABS systems are set up so that if there is X amount of grip, then ABS will override. This is why you can still lock the ABS systems wheels up, as it depends on traction.

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by Lammarite

Do it just as you exit the Central tunnel- I reckon you could add another 15 mins travel time to all the guys Q'd up outside immigration tower waiting to get in!

If it's analogue speedo then it will be the cable which is a piece of piddle to replace. ABS lights could be something very simple of very costly- doing an emergency stop is the best first stage- that's what a garage would do and charge you 500 chips for doing it.

umm, really, u only need to be doing 30 clicks in the wet to see if your ABS works. wait till it's pissing down one day. just make sure your laptop is not on the seat, you're going in a straight line, and there is atleast 30m b/w you and the next heavy object. put the brakes to the floor. if it shudders and stops, or the pedal "knocks", screw the ABS lights. if it slides or no shudder, get the ABS checked.

re speedo, hmmm funny if these both happened at once? but really, if it is analog, agree with above. also check to see if the cable hasn't popped outta the gear box (do this before it rains next, otherwise you'll get crap in there). if it has, just shove it back in. or leave it out and guess your speed, (easy if manual and have tacho) and then sell the car with low miles (well, its a BIG no no in Oz, not so sure how big a no no it is in HK). otherwise, if happened at same time as ABS lights likely an electronics fault. dont these euro cars have electronic systems?

[KnowItAll]

I'm assuming its not as simple as shoving a cable back in, because our regular mechanic has given the car a once over... we sort of do trust the guys integrity, just sort of looking for a second opinion on this sort of issue.

Dropded: Now that you've mentioned it, the sun will keep shining for the next 3 months.

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

I'm assuming its not as simple as shoving a cable back in, because our regular mechanic has given the car a once over... we sort of do trust the guys integrity, just sort of looking for a second opinion on this sort of issue.

Dropded: Now that you've mentioned it, the sun will keep shining for the next 3 months.

he he he... find some gravel then. oil slick? re mechanic, your post sounded as if u were thinking outloud, not asking for an opinion AFTER you've sought a professionals advice! I'll just crawl back into my hole, sniff..

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by golfduke

It will be quite difficult to do an ABS test on dry pavement anywhere. Most cars ABS systems are set up so that if there is X amount of grip, then ABS will override. This is why you can still lock the ABS systems wheels up, as it depends on traction.

not so sure about this. i can get real good smoke outta my non ABS car if i stand on the pedal. love that burnt rubber smell.... but i get almost none outta ABS equipped car, no matter how hard i try

[KnowItAll]

Sorry .. I looked at my post and think I got all confused with a PM I'd sent to golfduke.

>> professionals advice

Yeah, a mechanics advice. These days with all the gizmos in the car, I'm not sure who to consider a "professional".

[dropdedfwed]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

>> professionals advice

Yeah, a mechanics advice. These days with all the gizmos in the car, I'm not sure who to consider a "professional".

he he he, sort of tongue in cheek huh... really, what do u call a professional? i sort of call anyone who gets paid to do something a pro, as compared to amatuer. however, pro does have connotations of ability and aptitude that a lot of paid employees dont have... very grey definition i guess...

back to the point, do 40-50 on a dry road, plant it. if u can smell that smell that some young testosterone men seem to crave (just to clarify the one i am talking about now is burning rubber, minds above navels at present, please ), then ur ABS is shit. if u cant, no problem... unless ur having ur midlife crisis and want that smell again...

[discobay]

How is your car?