Testing Volvo Electrics

Hi guys and gals,

Since I bought my well abused Volvo 850 two years I have gained a good understanding of both the mechanics of the car and the electrics. Prior to this car I had a wonderfully reliable (read boringly reliable) Opel (Vauxhall) Astra which I sold to purchase the Volvo since I wanted to learn more about car mechanics etc. Buying a neglected example and fixing it up has proved to be very worthwhile and satisfying.

I have now got to the stage where I want to get the cars engine performance back up to par and I made a start last week by ascertaining correctly that the MAF sensor was faulty. Changing it out proved to be very beneficial and I am seeing an increase in my mpg and improved responsiveness at the throttle. However, further research (thank's to access to VADIS) I have been able to ascertain that you can purchase a test box which plugs into the control unit so you can test the sensors in your car and find out which one isn't performing properly. However, the parts required (Volvo part no's 9813195 and 9813190) are expensive at a combined cost of approx €500.

Does anybody out there know of some other way to measure the resistance etc of components e.g throttle pot, MAF sensor etc. I can't justify the spend...€100 no problem but €500...forget it!

Now I can probably hear one or two people say bring it into the Volvo garage and let them do it...problem here is I know more than them at this stage about the 850 and I end up showing them how to do things. Arrggghhh!

Has anybody got any suggestions,

Thanks,

Colm
1992 Volvo 850 2.0 20V Saloon

P.S.
The VOC don't stock these tools as it was considered that too much damage could be done to the cars if used incorrectly....and quite right they are too!