1997 Volvo 850 has a problem not easy... this is the issue, it would start and run for 2-3 minutes and cut off, and won't restart. Replaced: fuel pump, fuel ignition relay (grey) under radiator shield, the fuel pump relay(red) in fuse box, check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail (spray fuel) when key turn to on position... replaced plugs,clean idle valve...it usually starts after it sets for awhile.. drive it a little distance and cut it off won't restart, it sometimes cut off while idling...all replaced parts new, what's the problem I owned Volvos before, 1992 240 had the same problem...I changed the underside fuel pump it was okay...(15 yrs ago)... this one is tough. What's your suggestions. Thanks RB Car 33

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This is one of those problems that could be just about any system in the car. You'll need to wait for the car to die, then do some basic diagnosis to determine which system is crashing. Otherwise you are blind. Spark, fuel, mechanical? Is there an aftermarket burglar alarm disabling the engine?

My gut says this is an electrical problem like the ignition switch.

 

to VF RB

If it starts cold, runs for a while and dies, will crank but not start it sounds like something is getting hot and either cutting out the ignition or fuel.
Start it and let it die, try to start it again and if it won't pull the coil wire and place it close to something metal to see a spark, crank it and see if you have spark. If you have a good spark then either you're missing injector pulse or fuel pressure.

 

Thanks to all who responed to this Volvo 850 not easy problems....after further review I found that after replacing all those parts which some were needed I read a thread on the MAF sensor, it said to unplug it and then start the car...well i did just that and the car ran good, it did not cut off. Now here's the KEY unplugg the MAF sensor start your car if it starts...plug it back in ,if car cuts off the MAF sensor is bad, I brought a New MAF sensor unit($39.95) replaced it and the car runs fine...I Drove the car locally with the plug out and had alittle trouble keeping it going i drove it for 4days only until new part arrived... my suggestion is check your MAF sensor first if you have a starting problem, if you unplug it and it starts and drive,then it cuts off after plugging it back in, Unplug it Drive only 2 miles or less until you replace it. ASAP!

THANKS
CAR33

 

Have you replaced the fuel filter? If not, do so. You might also check the fuel pressure sensor. If defective, engine will at times cut out momentarily.