Hi Guys,
I have a 97 850 wagon. Everything's been fine for years, until yesterday after a 38 deg. cold spell here in California, went to start it and it died a couple of times after running for a second. Went to start it again today, did the same and then it stopped starting. Now it only cranks.
-Tried bypassing fuel pump relay
-replaced fuel pump about 2 years ago, with a Bosch.
Please help!
Much appreciated.

 

Decide if you're out of gas, check for spark, check fuel pressure. Could just be water in the tank. You may have a big vacuum leak; If so, or if it's a MAF problem,, it may run with the maf unplugged. I am not sure about that. You can run it on ether if you just want to convince yourself it's timed okay and sparking.

 

Thanks firebirdparts.
Fuel pump wasn't working, even when bypassing relay, or also when giving it direct power. Took it out and bench tested, it worked but not as well as a new one, so replaced. Car started fine after.
But.... This morning it did the same symptoms as the day before where it starts and dies, starts and dies, and after four times of that it finally stayed running, just like it did before it died completely.
A thing I do notice is that when it starts and dies there's a rattling relay sound behind the dash on the driver side... When it finally starts and runs the sounds stops right before... ?...
Thanks for your help guys!

 

wonder if you also have an issue with the ignition switch. Does it sound like the AC blower or some other relays cutting in or out? Also, when you replaced the fuel pump did you also replace the fuel pump relay and the injector relay (on the radiator cowling) for good measure. Sometimes when the fuel pumps go, they draw too much current which overheats and degrades the relay.

 

Thanks. I haven't replaced the relays yet, but I will. Since the pump didn't work being fed straight power, I was sure that would be the issue..
So one thing I noticed, today in the morning when car was cold, it did the same thing where it starts and dies, but anytime after during the day it started okay every time...?...
I have relays with me, so will replace before starting cold again and see if it makes a difference.

Will update. But please keep the knowledge and ideas coming...

Thanks guys.

 

It seems like a mention of the temperature sensor would be in order. With an OBDII scan tool, you can look and see what temperature the engine thinks it is.

I don't know of anything that would be making a racket truly under the dash, but if it's the igniition switch cutting in and out quickly, that could happen.

On my cars, if there's a mysterious racket, it's always a headlight wiper motor, ha ha. Need to keep them unplugged.