97 850 Cold start problem. Help please!
 

I bought a 97 850 a year ago. I don not know the mileage because the odometer is not working but the car is running great. I have to say that this is my first Volvo and a have become a fan already. I am having a couple problems with it and hope any of you guys can help. When the car is cold, it doesn't start right away. It takes a few seconds to start but it always start. Once the car it's been warmed up, the problem seem to go away. My mechanic has no clue what might be since he is not a Volvo mechanic. Any suggestions?
I like to mention that a complete tune up has been recently done. Also it was leaking oil like crazy but I had that taken care of as well. I am planning on having this car for a long time and I want to keep it the best I can. Thanks.

What exactly is it doing? Does it take longer to crank? How much longer? Does it take multiple attempts at cranking? Does it start and die?

What he asked :confused::confused::confused: How much more cranking than normal?

Without any more info I'd toss a dart at the answer board and I'm sure it would land on the coolant temperature sensor that is mounted near the thermostat. If it's sending the wrong temperature to the engine management computer your fuel mixture will be a little lean or rich and can easily cause a difficult hot or cold start or both.

It's right under the upper radiator hose. In the middle of the picture with the wires coming out of it.

First of all thanks guys.It takes between 4-7 seconds to start and it always starts the first time. Once it starts, never dies. I like to mention that it has a oxygen sensor code as well.

Thanks a lot Kiss4afrog. I am going to try that. Great information and the picture is a lot of help! Thanks again.

Is it and upstream (bank 1, sensor 1) or downstream (bank 1, sensor 2) that is tripping the CEL :confused:

Bank 1 sensor 1

Hi Jaime, welcome to the forum. Where are you located?

Other than that, when you go to start the car for the first time in the morning, turn the key on and wait 5 seconds. Then look at the temp gauge and see where it is pointing. Sometimes a bad temp sensor will say the car is warm before the car even starts.

Also, you need to get that O2 sensor replaced. That's the one that causes the most fuel trim issues. It will rob you of fuel economy and may even mess up yor catalytic converter. I have a good used one if you'd like to try it. PM me if you are interested.

Glad you like your 850 and welcome to the family.

The upstream one is the important one as the computer uses it to adjust the air fuel mixture once the engine is started and in closed loop (warmed up). It usually takes a minute or two for the oxygen sensor to get up to temperature and put the computer into closed loop. It shouldn't affect your starting problem but it will cost you a little in gas mileage and performance as the system will default to a richer mixture once it's bad enough to trip that check engine light.
It will not cure the hard start but it's worth doing as soon as you can.

I used to live in Atlanta GA but moved to Montgomery AL. Thanks for the welcoming and for all the help. Always heard great things about Volvos and after a little research decided on the 850, I am glad I did, it's been a great car! I am going to swap that oxygen sensor and look into the coolant temp sensor too. Thanx!

That was a great answer. I'm having the same issue and I noticed one morning on one of our coolest summer mornings how quick my temperature gauge had advanced.
Will check it out tomorrow.

Thanks

Cold start issues