Hi all,

This is not a particular problem...it is an ongoing problem regarding spare parts.

When I use these "see if my car is compatible" databases that parts suppliers are nearly all using.....all to often the item shows as NOT suitable for my car.

The reason is that when the databases were created someone called my car (a 1997 Volvo S90 sedan) a 964.

Eh??? Where the heck did THAT come from? A designation from the early days of U.S. imports?? Whatever.

The problem is, however. that the place will not let me select my car because it doesn't recognise any alternatives.

Now I could choose the manual selection, but that has a number of downsides, not the least of which is the supplier saying "too bad, you chose it" if the part actually doesn't fit.

Also there are warranty issues, etc.

So..... for all those 960 and S90 owners having trouble sourcing parts, we now have this hurdle to overcome!

Firstly, does anyone know who is behind this database (I'm assuming many suppliers use the same one as I see 964 all too often) ??

Secondly, does anyone have any documantation on what the heck is a 964???

The Wikipedia 900 series article makes absolutely no mention of one.

As I am sick of not being able to get bits for my swede, I'd like to get this issue sorted.

Any thoughts??

Thank you!

Hi ML11,

The 964 thing is easy.

9 - is the series of car, 240 was a 2 series, 740 was a 7 series, 960 was a 9 series. This is the body of the car, like a BMW model series.

6 - the cylinders in the engine, 240 had 4 cylinders, 260 had 6, 740 had 4, 960 had 6 and so on.

4 - the number of doors. A 242 is a 2 door (the little silver coupes), a 764 is a 4 door sedan and a 965 is a 5 door wagon.

There was a change in about 1985 or 1986 or so that dropped the last number (the number of doors) and just used a zero. A 244 became a 240, a 245 became a 240, not sure if the 740 every had a boot badge saying 744, and a 960 did not exist yet.

These numbers were used for about 20 or 30 years across all Volvo's and save for a couple of quirks (like the 780… ) they were a standard. You will also find the VIN of all of these vehicles is YV1 (The Volvo Cars code) then 964, then some more numbers. Those 4th through 6th characters call out the model on all Volvo cars. Cannot speak for new ones, I am only involved in the old ones, I have a '98 960/S90 and that is my newest car.

Then S90 and V90 and so on started with the new naming convention, the 960 became the S90 in about 1997 which confuses many.

Also, I was at Berry Motor Group last week and they had a fresh 960/S90 with a blown head gasket just left with them, it will likely go for parts. It was blue and in great condition if you need any parts. The interior looked great.

As for the parts database, you are now armed with enough info to deal with it. Try starting with "Hi, I have a '97 Volvo 960 or S90 and I need a blah blah blah part, it may be listed as a 964 as I have had that before".

Or just call a local Volvo specialist, that would be your simplest path.

ramrod

  • Fuel pump (won't get a 2nd hand one)
  • Rev sensor on tranny that throws up Speed Sensor A code - bought a 2nd hand one from Berry that worked - for a while. But now getting same code although less often. As the part is NLA from Volvo, I'm looking out for a better one than Berry's…..
  • several sunroof bits (flaps and springs and runners/guides)
  • air con compressor if reasonably new??
  • woodgrain ashtray drawer
    *

    That’s fine, I only supply brand new genuine Volvo parts.

    What’s your VIN?

    ML11 Rev sensor on tranny that throws up Speed Sensor A code - bought a 2nd hand one from Berry that worked - for a while. But now getting same code although less often. As the part is NLA from Volvo, I'm looking out for a better one than Berry's…..

    Yeah, I remember this discussion from a while back....

    IIRC it's necessary to use a Cresseda or Lexus part which has a different wiring connector, if you want a brand new one (I haven't re-read the old thread, I just recall looking into it and what was available)

    Sunroof bits? GCP, who may also be good for the ashtray bits.

    Aircon compressor? Look for the Sanden or Diesel-Kiki part number on the old one - they used the same compressors on more than Volvos so there's no need to pay a Volvo price tag for one - 960 /x90 have different high and low side connectors on the compressors to the ones found on most OZ market B230 engines

    Main fuel pump? Bosch 0 580 453 033 - accept no substitutes, it needs 160 litres per hour at 300 kPa system pressure.