I have a volvo 850 wagon. It ran great for my mom, as soon as I got it, it stalls for 10 minutes or so and starts back up. I got a tune up, changed the oil, and changed the gas filter. The last time it stalled it didnt start for 2 days which is the longest stall so far. My boyfriend did some things to the battery while it was stalled and said that there were wires loose and easily knocked away from each other. The car started when he tightened all the loose wires and stuff. I wonder if that could be why it was stalling or if I have to look for another issue. What could be causing this? The battery works strong still when it stalls so I dont know if my boyfriend doing what he did fixed the problem. When it stalls it doesnt sound like it is running out of gas either. My check engine lights randomly turn on and off also. Any ideas?

 

What year is the car? How many miles?

I guess you are saying that the car is still stalling???

The most common reason these cars stall is due to a fuel delivery problem. Either a bad relay or the fuel pump going bad. There is a way to jump the fuel pump relay but it's best to have someone check the fuel pressure at the end of the fuel rail. The connection to do that looks like a tire valve stem. On the drivers side of the motor.

You should also get your codes pulled. That will likely tell you the real problem. The second most common problem is the MAF. You can unplug it and see if the car idles with the MAF unpluged.

 

I heard it could be the cam sensor, whatever that is, how likely is that to be the cause?

 

Cars need air, fuel pressure and spark to start and run. You need to check all 3. If you do NOT have spark, you may have a bad cps. Again, the most common issure with these cars is the lack of good fuel pressure.

 

It is one of many things that could by your problem.

Have you tried to take it to an auto parts store and have them read the computer to see if it's stored a trouble code from the check engine light ??
If the cam or crank sensors are going out they should set a code in the computer that can be read for free by Autozone or Oreilly and others.