A guy on here (will give him credit when I have the time to search) suggested that if your 850 Volvo suddenly will not start to crawl under the car and hit the bottom of the gas tank with a hammer and it might jog the fuel pump into working for a minute if the fuel pump has died. This I just did and my car started the first try after not starting for 3 weeks.

First time I have ever fixed a car by hitting it with a hammer!

Second try I was not as lucky but at least I know what the problem most likely is and will now order a new fuel pump, fuel filter, etc.

 

Cool. I told my wife that a hammer is a important tool in the box.

 

Thats funny, glad it worked. Here are two more cars that benefit from a wack

Full size Chevys, starter. Wack the starter with a hammer.

Dodge Stratus and Plymouth breeze. Ignition key will not turn. Wack it with a (rubber) hammer.

 

It won't last long, deal with it before you get stranded. What you did was jar the brushes on the fuel pump motor loose but the next time you won't be so lucky.

The best I have done with the "beat the crap out of the gas tank" method was to get home where I can change the fuel pump in relative peace - as opposed to changing it in the McDonald's parking lot.

...Lee