I have a 98 Volvo S70 GLT 98K miles. Great car. Runs well except for once or twice a day I will be idling and the engine will die like I just turned off the key. It starts up eagerly when I turn the key and then runs fine for a while. If I am moving it usually happens at slower speeds and the tach will drop then go back up to where it should be. I am guessing that it cuts out then restarts. Like I said it doesn't cough, spit or sputter afterwards or before nor is it hard to start. It just acts like a gremlin shut the key off just to mess with me!
Where should I start looking for the problem?

 

OK, well, now it is getting hard to restart after it stalls. The only way I can restart it after it stalls is to depress the gas pedal a little and crank it. I am thinking that tells me the problem lies in the fuel system. I think I will stop by a place that can do it and have them check the codes. Check engine light comes on now.

 

That's where you should start, the CEL.

Also check this video:

 

Thanks you!!!!! I will do that!

 

Well, here is an update. I changed the relay. Ran for about 1.4 miles then quit....dead.....wouldn't start up again. So, I had it towed to a Volvo certified mechanic near me. He ran the codes and found that it was a bad MAF sensor. So far so good. Car is running. I an cautiously optimistic!
What bums me is that I can get this part for less than 100 bucks and this shop charged me 200 bucks for the sensor. I don't mind a mark up on parts. A shop has to make a living. But double priced?
Thanks for your advice!

 

Hey guys and gals, new here. We've owned a 2000 S70 since new. Had the same problem since today. I just replaced the plugs, smoothed... is that a word? Smoothed out down shifting idle and all.

Ralph11