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1993 850 Won't start, need troubleshooting help

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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Benji40
Posts: 5
Joined: 13 May 2012
Year and Model: 1993 850 GLT
Location: Nashville Tennessee USA

1993 850 Won't start, need troubleshooting help

Post by Benji40 »

The car had been running fine but sat idle for a couple of days. Will try to start but not turn over. I have tried jumping off, no difference. I have checked the fuel relay switch by using jumper wires, hear the whine of the pump but still doesn't crank. My son said it looks like some steam coming from engine when I tried with jumper wires. These attempts have been over the last 3 days when time allowed. It first wouldn't start with temperatures in the 20s, today was in the 50s. There is about a quarter tank of fuel and all the lights work, all belts in place.

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phils94850
Posts: 1156
Joined: 11 July 2006
Year and Model: 2009 s60 turbo
Location: Indiana
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Post by phils94850 »

Im a little confused.. does the engine turn over but not start.. or does the engine not crank over at all ? If it doesn't turn over at all, I would start by checking postitive and negative battery cables, then check if your getting current down to the starter, or you can try tapping on the starter while someone is turning the key.

If it cranks and doesn't start and run.. and you are hearing the fuel pump prime more than likely you have an ignition issue which could be the cam sensor which is common. Remove the coil wire from the center of the distributor cap, and lay it near something metal and have someone crank over the engine you should get a spark. Let us know..
1996 Platinum Edition

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rspi
Posts: 7303
Joined: 5 November 2011
Year and Model: 850 T-5R Wagon
Location: Cincinnati OH
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Post by rspi »

'95 855 T-5R M, Panther - 22/28 mpg, 546,000 miles
'95 955 T-5R Yellow Wagon, Lemonade, 180,000 miles
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Volvo's of past: '87 740 GLE, '79 262C Bertone, '78 264, 960's, '98 S70 GLT, '95 850 T-5R YellowVolvo Repair Videos

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