Here's my weird story. Two or three weeks after buying my Volvo I put around 20 litres of petrol in. When I tried to start the car, it wouldn't. After two tries, it started and then stalled. I tried again with lights and stereo off and it started properly this time. I then forgot about it and didn't have problems since a week ago. The weird thing is, I drove near the gas pump when I discovered I've left my wallet at home. So I tried to start, but again it wouldn't. Again, turning off lights and stereo helped. Today the same thing happened for the third time. I put 10 litres in this time. The weird thing is that it unexceptionally happens in gas stations, even when not tanking but just being there. Kind of mystical, but that's how it is. Any suggestions about what should I check?

 

Wow weird one there. Does the motor turn over and just not start?

 

Yep, the starter is spinning but the engine won't start. The first time it happened, the engine started and then just died. After turning off electronics, it started normally. I really don't know where to start.

 

Electronics may be irrelevant, could well be hot soak by teh sounds of it.

Regards, andrew.

 

Pretty weird if it was only after pumping gas the evap valve would be what I said. But this is a little different.

 

Yesterday I found out that this doesn't only happen in gas stations. I couldn't start the car near my garage. And I think I've found out what is causing the problem. The thing is, when I turn the key, the fuel pump should make noise. But sometimes the pump just doesn't make this noise and the car won't start. I suspect a wiring fault. Could you tell me where exactly the fuel pump is, so I could check the wiring?

 

There is a relay under the hood I would check that first.

 

What specifically should I check? I'm sorry but I am a little unfamiliar with electronics (or anything else :P).

 

It is under the black cover where the fuses are. You have to remove the 4 screws holding the cover for the fuse box on. Then the relay is under there I forget exactly which one it is. But it should say fuel pump relay as well.

 

Yeah, I know where it is, but how do I check if it is functional?

 

Well it should click when you turn the key on. Or remove it and open it up and check for cracks around the solder joints.