Trouble starting 850, need suggestions

bpjalaie · Post by **bpjalaie** » 02 Jul 2004, 11:31

1997 850 GLT Wagon. 70,000 miles on it.

I've looked over some of the other posts, but wanted to give my exact situation and see what you guys think.

The problem is that the car takes a few seconds to start when it's cold. By cold, I mean it's been sitting for more than a couple minutes. Once started, it runs perfectly smooth with no problems idling or dying. If I shut it down and start it again within a few seconds, it starts right away. Occasionally, it will start quickly when cold, but that's rare.

The car turns over fine. I seem to have plenty of cranking power. No warning lights so far.

I have verified that I have spark using an igniton tester. Also, the plugs, rotor, cap, and wires are new in the last 3K miles.

I have also put my finger on the fuel pump relay when starting and I feel it clicking, but that's all the testing I've done on the fuel system.

I was wondering about the fuel pump, but I have no problems once the car is running. Could it be the fuel pump if the car runs perfectly once started?

I saw the posts about all the other sensors (CMP, RPM, etc...) but couldn't relate the info to my symptoms.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 02 Jul 2004, 11:36

it's likely not the CMP, because then the car would idle roughly once started. What type of plugs are you using? I own a Toyota Tacoma (truck) that had plenty of CCA, but took longer than I liked to start. I did the big3 upgrade, and now it starts as soon as I turn the key.

Big 3 upgrade:
Use 0awg wiring for the following runs:
Alternator > Battery (+)
Battery (-) > Chassis
Engine Block > Chassis

That's not saying the big3 will fix anything, just saying I've had it work wonders before. Are you throwing any codes? My honest opinion would be plugs, which is why I ask what type they are.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 02 Jul 2004, 12:16

They are Volvo plugs (same as factory).

DCintraining · Post by **DCintraining** » 04 Jul 2004, 19:51

Have you done anything with the fuel injectors? I threw in a bottle of Techron in my 93 850 and it seemed to help both my starting and acceleration. Like potroast said, wornout plugs even if they are Volvo plugs could be the problem.

bpjalaie · Post by **bpjalaie** » 08 Jul 2004, 07:32

I haven't done anything with the injectors, except run a bottle of techron in the fuel tank. Didn't seem to help.

DCintraining · Post by **DCintraining** » 08 Jul 2004, 09:27

If it's not plugs or electrical, then it is probably fuel. The only other thing that comes to mind is that you are losing fuel pressure when the car is turned off. If air is introduced to the system then the fuel pump would have to work for a few seconds (or more) to get the pressure back up to the fuel injectors. Anyone have any ideas on how to (safely) test this? Have you pulled the codes off the computer? Here's the site to tell you how:

http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/comp ... volvo.html

Thanks to Matt for this great Volvo owner's site.

Eoin

Post by **matthew1** » 08 Jul 2004, 09:48

Thanks Eoin!

You can test fuel pressure -- with the car off -- by following the fuel rail to the right, looking for a valve just like on tires. Get a rag under it, and press the little widget like letting out air from a tire. Fuel should come out/should be under pressure; at least it does on my 850.

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 08 Jul 2004, 09:52

seems like it would be very easy to connect a fuel pressure guage using the schrader valve.

kinetic · Post by **kinetic** » 11 Jul 2004, 09:06

96 850
I'm using bosch paltnium plugs should Be usinf some other type plug? I have new cap/rotor, battery, MAF and have cleaned the IAC and TB. It takes about 6-8 seconds of cranking before engine kicks over and reminds me of the old carbeurator flooded days. Also it is intermittant say 3 out of 10 starts are fine. Annoying-

potroast · Post by **potroast** » 11 Jul 2004, 10:49

can you verify that your fuel pump relay is kicking in?