1997 Volvo FE

The 1997 Volvo FE is a medium-duty commercial truck available with a range of engine and transmission options. The most common engine option is the 11-liter TD11F4A inline-6 diesel engine, which produces 250 horsepower and 720 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 9-liter TD9F inline-6 diesel engine with 215 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, and a 12-liter D12C inline-6 diesel engine with 300 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. The FE is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 9-speed manual transmission, or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

People like the Volvo FE for its rugged construction, reliability, and fuel efficiency. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior.

Engine

• TD11F4A 11-liter Diesel Engine
  • Turbocharger Failure: Symptoms include loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, and excessive oil consumption. Solution: Replace the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Injector Failure: Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace the faulty injector(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per injector
  • Head Gasket Failure: Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the head gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• TD9F 9-liter Diesel Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: Symptoms include rough idling, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• D12C 12-liter Diesel Engine
  • EGR Valve Failure: Symptoms include poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and black smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Replace the EGR valve. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: Symptoms include no-start condition, rough idling, and stalling. Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Transmission

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Synchronizer Failure: Symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises, and popping out of gear. Solution: Replace the faulty synchronizer(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• 9-Speed Manual Transmission
  • No Issues Found
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Failure: Symptoms include slipping gears, shuddering, and overheating. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Front Suspension:
  • Ball Joint Failure: Symptoms include clunking noises, excessive tire wear, and unstable handling. Solution: Replace the faulty ball joint(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per joint
• Rear Suspension:
  • Leaf Spring Failure: Symptoms include sagging rear end, rough ride, and unstable handling. Solution: Replace the faulty leaf spring(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per spring

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Symptoms include dim lights, flickering gauges, and difficulty starting the vehicle. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Starter Failure: Symptoms include no-start condition, clicking noises, and grinding noises. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500

Exterior

• Cab Rust: Symptoms include rust spots on the cab panels, doors, and roof. Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Headlight Failure: Symptoms include dim or flickering headlights. Solution: Replace the faulty headlight(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per headlight

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: Symptoms include cracks in the dashboard material. Solution: Replace the dashboard. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Seat Heater Failure: Symptoms include no heat from the seat heaters. Solution: Replace the faulty seat heater element(s). Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per element

Summary

The 1997 Volvo FE is a reliable and fuel-efficient commercial truck. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, and interior. The severity and cost of the issues vary depending on the specific problem and the parts that need to be replaced.