97 Volvo GLT 850 Car turns over then cuts out

[Holly Mia]

Hi there,
Our Volvo has been giving us grief again. It started in the cold snap in DC, we tried to move the car late at night, she would turn over - then cut out, turn over - cut out, kept this up for about five/ten minutes until she finally caught on and started properly. We assumed it was the cold - it was about 25 degrees, and that after doing this charade for awhile she warmed up enough to work properly.
The next morning we had the same issue, only we managed to run the battery dead from trying too many times to get it going. Later that afternoon we put some more gas in (we were running low), and got a jump from a local. Unfortunately this didn't even work. Even with the cables still attached the engine wouldn't catch on properly, same thing, would start up and turn over, then cut out again. We tried for a good twenty minutes. It was still freezing outside, so we hoped it was just something to do with that. The day after that was a bit warmer, so we tried for another jump start. Same issue, still wouldn't go.
Couldn't do anything yesterday, because of the snow, and potentially can't do anything today.
We are going to have to get a tow in the next day or two, does anyone have any good recommendations on cheap but reliable mechanic in the DC or nearby areas?
Anyone got any idea what the problem might be? It would be good to head into the mechanics with some idea of the possibilities so we don't get talked around to buying something we don't need and can't afford. Thanks again form New Zealand!
Holly

[rmmagow]

Fuel pump relay maybe. Take it out, bring it in the house to warm it up and try again. Also research "lawnmower" syndrome here. Might want to get another FP relay from Volvo.

[jblackburn]

Whereabouts in the DC area are you? I'm in the area (VA side) and could swing by one night if you're not too far out.

[Holly Mia]

Hey,
At the moment we are tucked up out of the snow in Columbia Heights. The car is between 13th and 14th on R Street NW, not sure what area that is but its near the U street district. Not really sure what that means in relation to where you are, but even if you can't swing by the offer is really appreciated!

[osman]

You can jumper that relay with a paper clip. Looking at the connection, while facing the firewall it is 12 and 3 o'clock (connecting 15 and 87, look on relay). Of course you need a T25 Torx to get the fuse panel cover open. Always keep one in your car.

[jblackburn]

^Yep, I'd try the jumper on the fuel pump relay first.

I wouldn't be able to bring by any of my tools, but it looks like I could metro down there after work one day this week.

[rafmarkham]

I have had this problem (crank,start, then die immediately, repeat, etc.)with my 1995 850 Turbowagon (390,000Km) in (-20 C) cold weather in the past, due to condensation in the intercooler building up enough ice to prevent any air flow. (I noticed the flexible air intake tube by the radiator collapsing on itself as the engine turned over). Disconnecting the hose, then re-connecting briefly several times finally got it going enough to heat things up. My Volvo-savvy mechanic solvent-flushed out the intercooler, and I've had no problems since. Diagnosis in my case: dirt,oil etc buildup + ice = turbo emphysema.

Taking the car to somewhere warm would eventually melt the ice, but consistently low temps and short runs means build-up can re-occur if ice choking is the cause. Had it been towed to a warm garage with less knowledgeable staffing? Replacing fuel filters, pump, plugs, wires,etc. in the search for a cause would not have cured the problem permanently.

Bear in mind I have the full turbo engine, not the "light" turbo, which may be different - mine has an intercooler sandwiched between the radiator and transmission fins. A collapsing air hose was the give-away for me. Hope this helps.