Couple of 940 issues...washer fluid light & rear clunking...

[AllHailKingVolvo]

Hi all,
I’ve recently acquired a 1998 940 Estate which I’m extremely happy with...I’ve run old Mercs for many years but fancied a change after my ‘97 C-Class expired, but fancied a change and have always wanted to own an older Volvo, so when this old girl came up at the right price I jumped at the chance!

It’s a REALLY tidy car, brand new MOT and 130k on the clock. 2.3lpt motor, manual box and all the usual niceties. It needs a few bits doing (it’s going in for a new back box on Friday and I need to change a cracked nearside rear light lens) but is a lovely drive and a car I’ll hopefully own for a long time.

A couple of things are foxing me that should be DIY fixes though...firstly, the washer fluid warning light is permanently on, even with the tank topped right up. Is this a sensor issue? If so, where would I find it and is it an easy change?

Also, it has a suspension knock/clunk from the nearside rear when driven over potholes/uneven country roads. It handles well so doesn’t strike me as something structural/serious, more a worn bush of some sort-perhaps an anti roll bar arm bush?

Any advice on these issues would be massively appreciated. I’m handy enough with spannering as I’ve been in/around motorsport at club level for 24yrs or so, so not afraid to do a bit of DIYery!

Thanks so much in advance for any help and advice.

Best
Phil

[ITSv40]

First off, welcome to the forum and the world of Volvo motoring. There is no know cure, so you should be around here for sometime.

I'm not familiar with the 940, but all the models I have owned have the level float in the bottom of the washer bottle. The unit just pushes in through a rubber seal and it is easy to put the float in upside down - so that it reads permanently empty. Could be the case with yours.

Clunking is most likely a worn bush, Only way to find out is get underneath with a pry bar and look for movement/rusty water stains.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by AllHailKingVolvo

A couple of things are foxing me that should be DIY fixes though...firstly, the washer fluid warning light is permanently on, even with the tank topped right up. Is this a sensor issue? If so, where would I find it and is it an easy change?

Sensor, yes. Could be the filter is gunged up and water is not going to the bottle or the level float (sensor) is stuck. Wash out the bottle completely, removed from car if necessary.

Originally Posted by AllHailKingVolvo

Also, it has a suspension knock/clunk from the nearside rear when driven over potholes/uneven country roads. It handles well so doesn’t strike me as something structural/serious, more a worn bush of some sort-perhaps an anti roll bar arm bush?

Yes, likely the shock. Worth looking to see if you have self levellers or standard shocks before you investigate further.

You would also be better in the dedicated 700/900 section. Pop to the forum index page and then scroll down the page. You will see the technical sections for the cars. Hit the 700/900 one and search there for "washer and warning".

Des. . .

[AllHailKingVolvo]

Thanks guys! Will investigate ASAP. Really appreciate the helpful advice!