Hi all,

I have a 1993 Volvo 850 with about 145,000 miles. Starting this week, when I turn the key in the ignition to start the car up, it sometimes won't work the first time. The dashboard lights will go on, and I'll start to hear the engine, but it won't start all the way up. But, then, I'll just pull turn the key back and forward again (without removing it from the ignition) and it will start fine. Is there cause for concern? What might be wrong?

Thanks!

 

sorry to hear that. did the engine crank when you tried to start it?if it did crank it might be either the fuel pump or fuel pump relay.l had a problem like that two weeks ago. the dash lights will come on but the engine wont even crank.l then hear a click click but noo start.it turned to be the battery.l had a weak batt and wasnt supplying enough power to the starter. l changed the batt and havent had any problem since. that didnt happen all the time.if it did l had to turn the ignition back and forth then it starts.

first of all if l was you l would check for fuel pressure to be on the safe side and make sure the fuel pump is working good.pressure should be 40 to 45psi. secondly l would check for batts voltage supply if it does have enough power to trigger the starter if the engine doesnt crank. l dont know how to do that but you can google it and find thorns of DIY on that.if it happens you change the batt and still has the problem then you might as well have to change the starter or solenoid. wait on other users for more troubleshoot ideas.RSPI any ideas

 

Please let us know if the car CRANKS or not. Cranks means that you turn the key, the motor turns, but doesn't start. If it's not cranking, it's DEAD. Let us know which is the case.

There are several reasons the car may be DEAD. Battery (change), bad battery connection (clean post and cables, check connections), starter (starter may be failing, you may or may not hear the starter click), bad PNP switch (common for age, rolling the shifter from park to L several times will help a little) and ignition switch (rare).

If the car is CRANKING but not starting, it could have several problems from fuel pressure to cam sensors.

Let us know which is going on and we may be able to help you.

 

Thanks for the help, guys. The motor IS cranking, just not starting on the first turn.

Some possibly relevant notes: 1) I've replaced both my fuel pump relay and battery relatively recently, for unrelated reasons and 2) I'm tending to have this problem in the morning when I first try to start up my car for the day, rather than in the afternoon. This may just be random, though.

 

l would check for fuel pressure first if its cranking.pressure should be between 43 and 45.if could be 39 0r 40 when engine is cold.let us know the results and we go from there

 

If you have anyone to help you first thing in the morning you could have one plug wire off and have someone check to see if on a no start you have fire at the end of the wire. That way if it's firing you know it's likely fuel. If it's not, then ignition.

 

Thanks, guys. I ended up taking it in to a shop, and they said the cause of the problem is the fuel pump, consistent with what you all said.

 

Here is a good read for you

Replaced Head, Started, Ran, Shut Off, Wont Start. - Volvospeed Forums