hey guys,
I have a little problem that I hope someone can help me with. Today it was raining in NY and my car did not want to start. I drove to work with no problem( no rain too). The rain Started around 6:30 am and finished around 1:00pm. When I went to start the car it cranked but it did not start. I tried that for a few times and eventually it started. I drove home with no problem except for little stuttering here and there. Got home and shut it off, went in the house and came back out and it started like nothing happened. A friend at work told me it could bemoisture in the dist. cap and plugs. Well I'm not that good on cars so whe\at you guys think. I had a simular problem about a month ago and the mechanic could not find anything wrong and it just started and worked fine until now( it rained the night before too).

Thaks for your help

Riculus

 

Hey Riculus,

I have a little solution that I hope would help you.

Very often, poor engine performance when it's rainy is due to neglected ignition components. When was the last time you had a good tune-up? If done not too long ago, did you replace the components with OEM units? If you have a digital multimeter, you can check the general condition of the plug wires & the ignition coil, as well as removing the distributor cap and visually inspect the inside to see if you can find carbon deposits or erosion.

If tune-up has not been done for a while or there is no maintenance record, I would replace the following items:

1. Plugs (Genuine Volvo, Bosch Platinum +4 or Iridium, NGK Iridium, etc...).
2. Plug wires (Bougicord).
3. Distributor cap & rotor (Bosch).
4. Ignition coil (only if you get poor test results or if you see arcing at night).
5. Battery (If it's been there for over 4-5 years).

Check out FCP Groton for the parts & price, and if you can find an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes that is willing to accept parts from customers, that may be a good alternative.

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850tuneup.htm

Some references:
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/sparkplugs.php
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/sparkplugs.php
https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

If the culprit is not ignition-related, it could be one of the primary engine control sensors that are about to fail or are affected with moisture, if the electrical connections are loose/corroded.

I hope this gives you some ideas.


JPN

 

What JPN said, hard starts, idling during rainy days is due to moist/faulty ignition wires, distributor cap, rotor...

How many miles do you have on your 850?

 

The previous posts are right on the money. 850's are very forgiving of old ignition parts but water will kill them. Replace all and check the ground of the coil on the drivers fender well. These get wet. You had a lot of rain yesterday and I would also check the 2 drains that are in the cowl area. These get plugged and water can get to wiring.

 

Thanks guys,
I drove to work today and the car almost stalled on me once. I drove back home and went straight to the mechanic. I let himlook at the car and he told me the coil was going bad. It was clicking so he would replace it. I did a tune up in December and changed all the other parts except the ciol.
Thanks for your help
Riculus

 

 

Will wait for your updates on a rainy day performance. If the car behaves a day or two of rainy days, you can be rest assured. If, however, if the car keeps misbehaving, check the distributor cap & rotor and the ignition wires.

Keep an eye on it.


JPN