my '96 850 (non turbo) automatic with approx 150K mi has developed an interesting problem: it will only start after the second attempt.

First attempt to start the engine (cold) will not fire or even try to fire, regardless of how long or short I crank the engine.

If I pause 5 to 10 seconds, and attempt to start it immediately after the first attempt, it fires right up on the second try.

Sometimes this is consistent with a warm engine, although a "double start" is a gaurantee on a cold start.

Recently replaced the fuel pump, Ign. cap & rotor as well as the fuel filter.

Tonight on the way home from work it stalled at the bottom of the off ramp, and was stumbling a bit on throttle response. Seemed to go away, but I wonder if this is all related.

Appreciate any help the forum can offer. Thanks,Jeff

 

Likely a fuel pump relay problem. They are very intermittant.

 

You should also check your fuel pressure regulator. It might be leaking down so much it can't get a prime on the first try. If it isn't getting enough gas the first try it's that second try that finally gets enough gas and pressure to the injectors.

 

Your problem is also typical of a bad check valve in the fuel pump. If you can get a fuel pressure gauge on the end of the fuel rail watch the fuel pressure after you turn the car off. It should hold decent pressure for at least 15 minutes.

If it quickly drops to zero then the check valve is suspect.

Now for the bad news, the check valve is an integral part of the fuel pump housing so it will require an OEM fuel pump a$$embly to fix it or an aftermarket check valve in the fuel line.

A bad fuel pressure regulator can also cause the same fuel pressure readings but that would normally result in black smoke once the car does start since all of the fuel bleeds off into the intake manifold through the vacuum tree and it will always run extremely rich.

...Lee

 

I would also check Fuel pressure regulator
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...gulator-32298/