Ok I just bought this car because the guy could not get it running. I put a battery in it and it started right up, but would stall if you did not let it idle for about a minute. I drove it around for a few days and then one day it would not start, it would just crank and you could not hear the fuel pump. I tried a couple days later and it started,now it will not start again it just cranks.Please help. Also not sure how to use the OD button. Thanks for any help

 

well fuel pump relay could be the problem. They tend to fail on volvos you can check it with a multimeter before you purchase one. Check for spark with timing light, check for gas and go from there. You have two fuel pumps and in tank pre pump and a main fuel pump under the car. In tank prepump usually shows up when you are under half a tank of gas so if you are (under 1/2) add gas and see if that helps.

 

I agree with wojeepster. Do what you can to troubleshoot the fuel pump first. And as for the overdrive, if it's a stick shift, just depress the clutch when you're in 4th and press the OD button.
I also recommend you get a Bentley's Volvo service manual if you keep the car. Lots of good advice. And find yourself a good mechanic near you, you'll need him/her, probably him.
Obaloney

 

I also recommend a great small book. How to diagnose and repair automobile electrical systems by Tracy Martin about $18 amazon.com