My search for a solution to my starting problem goes on. Just to describe this to any who may not have come across this yet. Randomly the car wont start..starter motor turns but thats it. After a good 2 hour sit, the car mysteriously starts and has no problems driving.

Upon searching the forums for many days trying to find a solution to many of our random starting issues, I have found the following solutions:
1. Cam position sensor
2. Fuel Pump
3. Relay

Any other solutions would be appreciated.

 

How long has this problem been going on? Has there been anything, other than sitting for two hours, that seems to affect the starting ability? Any repairs/modifications done to the car just before the problem appeared?

 

In response to the last thread:
1. Problem going on for about two years. Occurs in spirts every couple months.
2. Have not been able to get it started directly after. I usually just sit and wait or walk home if I can.
3. Since so many repairs have been done, I cannot pinpoint any specific repair before this problem.

 

I seem to have forgotten several questions (sorry):

What year and model?

Any accidents?

What service/repairs have been done, regardless of before/after the starting issue?

“every couple of months” – is it seasonal?

Have you swapped out the relay, sensor or pump?

 

Also check any blockage of air intake.

 

It's a 1993 850 GLT.

Repairs: New timing/serpentine belts, Radiator pump, All new ac, Spark plugs, distributor cAP, Spark plugs, Motor mounts is all I can remember.

Problem is completely random

I have not had the relay, sensor or fuel pump replaced. I am waiting to get some more responses on here before I have all the work done at one time. Also since I have minimal experience, I only want to do basic work myself.

Thanks for your reponses vjaneczko

Air intake does not seemed to be blocked

 

The relay is super easy to do, the fuel pump *may* be easy, and I have no idea about the sensor. I'm sure you could search for repair posts on all of these and gauge your ability to do it yourself.

Between this site, www.volvospeed.com and www.matthewsvolvosite.com (and plenty of others), you should be able to find plenty of details to do the job(s).

 

My son's 850 just quit on us... previously he was driving and it cut out, but when I went back to tow it home, it started up fine and made it back home, he drove it to work, etc with no problems. But now it won't start.

I'm pretty sure the relay clicks when you turn the key on, (feels like it is), I'm going to go get a fuel pump and relay at the dealer and then return what I don't use.

basically, I'm going to check for 12 volts at the fuel pump, then test the fuel pump connected directly to 12 volts and go from there...

I'll replace the fuel filter while I'm at it...

Does that sound about right?

 

If the starter is spinning but the engine doesn't catch, I'd say it's a good place to start. You may also want to check the fuel rail for pressure - it's quick and much easier then swapping out parts that may or may not be good.

 

I had already checked the fuel rail and didn't have pressure... I ended up swapping the relay and go from there.

Unfortunately, this morning, it started and ran fine...

 

Ah, OK. if there wasn't any pressure, then odds are good the pump is shot. Mine cutout a few years ago going down the highway at night - scary!

And yeah, probably best to swap the filter first as it's probably time?