The 1996 Volvo 850 was equipped with a 5-cylinder, 2.4-liter engine (B5244S or B5244T). This engine is interference in nature.
What this means:
* If the timing belt breaks, the valves and pistons can collide, causing significant damage to the engine.
* Regular timing belt replacements (as recommended by Volvo) are crucial to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Important: It's always best to consult your owner's manual or a trusted mechanic for specific information about your vehicle's engine.