The car started fine all summer and fall. Once the temperature got below freezing, it took a long time for it to fire. I did some searching and figured out that it was the Air Temperature Sensor. (If the sensor isn't working, then the computer doesn't know that it is cold out and doesn't enrich the gas/air mix - am I correct?)

I read in one of the threads that the fuel pump is sending gas while the key is on. If that were the case, I thought, than if I left the key in the ON position (all dash lights on) for 30-60 seconds, then there should be enough gas in the mix to start the car. It worked! I found it needed to be longer for really cold mornings. It would turn over three or four times and fire right up.

I have every intention of getting it fixed and very soon but when it isn't the main means of transportation and you know what the work around is...

One morning I turned the key on and none of the dash lights came on. I let it sit and tried starting it but it wouldn't fire. After a couple of minutes, the dash lights DID come on and then it would start.

This morning it did it again. No dash lights. No amount of wiggling of the key or turning the key on and off will make a difference.

I've searched the forums and have not been able to find anything like this. Any ideas?

 

the fuel pump only runs about 1 second when you first turn the key on, then stops until the engine turns over. if the engine stops turning over, the fuel pump stops about 1 second later.

anyways, even with the fuel pump running, the injectors aren't going to let that gas into the engine.

your 1986 is in the range of years that had bad wiring, sometimes jokingly called 'biodegradable'... starting about 1981 until late 1987, all Volvos wiring is suspect. the insulation hardens then cracks and falls off, inside the cable bundles where you can't see it. this can cause all sorts of weird and unpredictable problems.