hey guys. new member here askin for some help.

i packed up the kid this morning to go get some breakfast and went to start the car and got a solid effort out of her but she just wouldnt catch. im am screwed without my car and will lose my job without it.

the fuel gauge does in fact read that there is fuel pressure when trying to start it.

i checked the fuses, nothing blown.

the guy i bought it from (a friend) had just put it through a tune-up before hand. so i am reluctant to believe it is a fuel filter. and if im getting a reading of fuel pressure wouldnt that rule out the fuel pump?


please guys i need some help here. im broke and needing to get to work tomorrow. luckily im decently competent with my head and hands so ill try to do it myself. im no mechanic though.

 

Check to see if the fuel pump is clicking on and see if the fuel pump relay clicks when you turn the key.

those are the two most common no fuel issues...

Check those and report back

 

how do i check the fuel pump for a click? heh.

ps. i just got a text from the friend who i got the car from. he said if your having fuel issues a mechanic told him the fuel pump was gonna go last spring so hes suprised its lasted this long. i cant be mad at him because he gifted me the car for free

but the clicks. i might as well check em. im assuming by "click" you mean that the system is actually engaging?

 

the fuel gauge does in fact read that there is fuel pressure when trying to start it.

There is a big difference between the fuel gauge reading that you have fuel sitting in the tank and having fuel pressure in the fuel rail supplied by a working fuel pump.

Take the ignition wire out of the center of the distributor cap and set it within a 1/4 inch of something metal that will ground it. Turn the car over and see if you have spark.

At the end of the fuel rail near the distributor cap is the schrader valve for the fuel rail. Once you've cranked the engine over you should try to push the vlave in to see if you have pressure. Warning: if you have pressure it will squirt out. Use a small screwdriver or whatever to push the valve open. Have a rag or towel right there to catch any fuel. It's the same type of valve used in the tires valve stem and works the same way.

Best not to hold the wire with your hand. If the wire is bad it's possible the coil will fire through your hand and you'll get a high voltage wake up call.

 

haha. right on will do. thank you

 

checked the fuel rail nipple. no pressure. fianlly did an old fashion bangin on the bottom of the gas tank and it started... but has troubles keeping pressure.

it is the fuel pump. thanks for the help guys i really appreciate it

 

Location of the fuel pump relay.

There is a way to DIY repair them if you feel handy with a soldering iron.
http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...pic.php?t=9681

The fuel pump may not be the correct one for your car. That Airtex number is for mine.

 

i do not have access to a soldering iron nor am i handy with one .


but i just went to pick a part (and a couple other local wreckers) and by the looks of it, fuel pumps are a hot commodity LOL. i got my favorite local parts dealer to order me a new one for $250. beats getting it from canadian tire for $110 more.

still $250 plus a days wage lost is tough to suck up.

i just really hope it IS the fuel pump and doesnt turn out being some wierd sensor or wiring issue.

thanks again for your help guys. this forum rocks. hats off to ya

 

any chance it could be the "fuel pump relay"? i was told to ask about that.. how would i diagnose that?

edit: i read matts post again and remembered i did hear a click under the hood when i had my brother turn the key.

 

Some "how to" in case you need them.
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/ser...llOverhaul.pdf

Fuel Pump Install Installation for Volvo 850T 850R 850 T5 850 T5-R

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...el-pump-50495/



It would be wise to do the fuel filter at the same time if you're not sure when the last time it was done.
If you use a little paint like a touch up bottle to record the date and miles on it makes it easy to remember the last time.

 

If you remove the relay it should have the contacts numbered on the bottom or a picture of the contacts numbered printed on the side of it.
Jump between 15 (top center) and 87a (bottom center) with the key on. If you then hear the pump in the tank running you know it's the relay not sending enough power to the pump.

If you hear nothing, it's likely the pump but it could be a bad connection so keep your eyes open and inspect all the connections you touch taking it apart.

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/ser...ests-Turbo.pdf

The picture is from a 96 and may not match yours but it gives you an idea of what I'm talking about.

 

If you tapped on the pump or hit the tank and it started than its 100% the fuel pump

But if you want to test the relay just for the hell of it just get a small piece of wire and jump pin 15 to pin 87..