Hi all,

hate to start out by requesting advice but, its my mothers car she loves dearly and were having some problems and im new to volvos (sweet car though).

1993 850 sedan. 253,000 (I know right!)

Problem.. Car dies randomly it seems and requires time to restart. It cranks and cranks but doesnt catch. I read through the whole "cranks but doesnt catch" sticky and Ill check every thing out tonight.

The only thing is. It does catch and run most often and then .... nothing. for some reason you will be driving and just lose all power and sometimes it restarts and some times it doesnt.

HELP!!!
lol

Im going to try and do some searching in the mean time.

Thanks in advance,

Marcus

 

When you cant start:
1, Do you have sparks?
2, Do you have fuel pressure?
3, Do you have any codes (from A-B port)?

 

could be a cam sensor going...

 

Or the Crank (RPM) Sensor. I am thinking it is one of these two items.

 

Ditto on the Crank and Cam Sensors.

I suggest getting BOTH from FCP Groton and replacing. At that mileage they are bound to be an issue. Also check for oil leaking from the rear cam seal on the Cam Sensor. That can cause issues.

Also, although I do not have any experience with non-turbo I am sure the flame trap/pcv system needs cleaning or replacing.

Double check all the vacuum hoses and elbows also. There might be a "compound" problem one issue causing stalling another causing the "no start".

 

deal, Ill check them all out. Im not familiar with any of these items and there location on volvo but, Ill do some reading im sure they have been covered on the site and I just ordered the haynes manual. Thanks for all of you're help.

** additional evidence. Car still has original cat and exhaust. at 250+ K couldnt it be clogged causing the o2 sensor or similar to shut off the car?

Oh, and Ill check the codes. I need to read through the books to understand them and how to read them. All a learning experience.

My only real mechanical experience comes from my z. (1972 datsun 240) and well its very simple to work on.

Thanks!

Marcus

 

ouch. those are expensive but, ohh well. one more question. How is the install those look intense but, im willing to do what ever it takes to get her back on the road.

thanks,

marcus

 

To read engine codes:
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/a2.html

 

umm you rock, thanks a bunch. Ill be reading them tomorrow morning.

 

fuel pump relay.

Can't believe noone has suggested it yet.
Maybe not your problem, but a know issue that's easy to fix.

 

Thats why need to check the fuel pressure when it happens. On the other hand, if no sparks then going CPS route.

 

Im thinking maybe the fuel pump relay for sure. Reading through this manual. The fuel pump was recent replaced with a new unit.

 

How coud I test the relay? Does anyone have a pic of its location, The wrong book came in today.

Also on the cps? what ohms should it read to test it, location? I just changed mine on my bmw and it was awful I had to pull the entire AC bracket to access it on the lower timing chain cover

Thanks in advance

marcus

 

Ok guys, sensor seems bad. I plan on replacing both crank and cam sensor.

However, I have a 940 (prob early 90's) would the sensors swap over as a cheap solution? I know with datsuns and also with bmws allot of parts within certain years are interchangeable.

Any help is greatly appreciated as Im reading as much as I can on top of graduate school and trying to fix three broken cars!

thanks

marcus