94 Volvo 850 TM, Car turns over but no start.

[huzzsaba]

I just realized that code P0232 might be because we tried to start it with the MAF unplugged. it that's true, then we are back to square one.

[huzzsaba]

is it possible this is lawnmower syndrome? if so, how do I proceed? I read about removing the fuel pump relay and cranking it over a few times, then reinstalling the relay and try to start it.

[Ozark Lee]

Lawnmower syndrome can be corrected by dumping a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder and then replacing the spark plugs and cranking it until it starts. If will smoke like crazy so I would suggest that it not be done in a garage.

I don't think we are there yet though. Have you checked for spark? Have you checked for fuel pressure?

If it won't start with starting fluid then it suggests either no spark or no compression but do more testing before you jump to lawnmower syndrome. The battery needs to be fully charged to try to get the car going again with the oil in the cylinders since you need to keep cranking it until it starts and runs. Don't crank so long that you burn up the starter though.

...Lee

[SHAKAMAMBUTU89]

Wow just saw all the replies and JAK to huzzsaba (my bro) for the details on the problems.

Another issue which comes to mind is that I have a bad habit of running the car till the fuel tank is literally bone dry and I get this -- -- on the dash and sometimes the car will literally shut off in the middle of the road and Im basically trying to start it on a empty tank. Would that somehow have caused a issue? Perhaps it could be the fuel pump or fuel filter?

Also would parking the car on a slant with the nose in the direction of the slant help get fuel to the engine?

[Ozark Lee]

The fuel pump motor is actually cooled by the fuel. When the fuel runs low the fuel pump looses its cooling and it is tough on the pump. I personally never let the fuel level get below 1/4 tank for that very reason.

When you bypassed the fuel pump relay did you actually hear the fuel pump run? If you fold down the rear, passenger's side, seat you should be able to hear the pump run. Just because it is running doesn't mean it is working properly but if you can't hear it running then it isn't doing anything and, of course, the car won't run.

The real test is to measure the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. The best way to do that is with an actual fuel pressure gauge which costs about $45.00 for a cheap one. On an 850 the throttle cable cam is smack dab in the way so you need to remove it to be able to install the gauge. The other option is to use the tire gauge. It will not be accurate and it will pretty much wreck the gauge but it will be close enough to be able to determine if the fuel pump is working at all. You don't need remove the throttle linkage if you use the tire gauge.

...Lee

[huzzsaba]

right now I have the car battery on charger so once that is charged this is what I will try. Let me know if this is the right way to go:

1) put the jumper wire in and put the ignition to second position and listen for the fuel pump.
2) If fuel pump is working, I will check with a tire pressure gauge at the schraeder valve on the fuel rail.
3) If that checks out, then I will check for spark and report back

[huzzsaba]

So here is the mystery piece that attaches on one end to the FPR, and the other end to the Vacuum tree.

Shouldn't the FPR connect directly to the vacuum tree?

[Ozark Lee]

I have absolutely no idea what is going on there. What is the heater hose behind the fan? Where does it go?

What you are showing there doesn't look like anything associated with the fuel pressure regulator. The regulator is on the fuel rail and its vacuum line should go to the tree.


...Lee

[abscate]

I'm guessing that's a shade tree PCV repair if some sort

[rspi]

Running a car out of gas is a good way to destroy the fuel pump.