Hi, just got a 1994 850 non-turbo sedan that came with a problem. When it is warm and running it will periodically shut down and coast to a stop. After a minute or so it will start back up and go on fine. The previous owner had it to five mechanics, none of whom specialized in Volvos, and all were unsuccessful in diagnosing or fixing this issue. I would greatly appreciate any insights into what might be going on. Thanks

 

check your fuel pump relay

 

Exactly what shelby said!

Locate the fuel pump relay (shout back if you can't find it); next time it dies pull the relay and bypass pins 1 & 3 w/paperclip. If it then works (and no more stalling) replace or repair the relay (Do NOT just leave the paper clip in there!!).

If that doesn't do it, it still could be the fuel pump or something else entirely; but your symptoms certainly sound like it's fuel related.

 

I had a similar stalling problem. I'm sure everyone who suggests that you check your fuel pump relay, fuel pump and fuel filter is right. But none of that completely solved my problem (even though the fuel pump really was weak).

I ended up doing what seemed like a gajillion things — new distributor cap and rotor, different camshaft position sensor, cleaned the air intake, new MAF sensor, tracked down a vacuum leak off the tree beneath the throttle cover and replaced the line. Finally the car is running well. Whether it was one of those things or a combination of replacing a bunch of tired old parts, well, I don't know. The only thing that ever actually threw a code was the MAF sensor.

Several times I thought I had it fixed only to be surprised by another mystery stall after several days of smooth running. This is to say that fixing these stall problems, in my experience, can be something of a journey.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I pulled the relay from another 850 and today was able to run around without a problem. I'm feeling optimistic, but will see what the next few days tell. Again, thanks for the good information...this is a superb forum.