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Error codes

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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tryingbe
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Re: Error codes

Post by tryingbe »

lapederson6 wrote:Fuel pump runs, compression is fine, spark and fuel are fine. Mechanically everything checks out. And not only did we test everything, but we had two mechanics check it out and test everything. We are truly stumped.

What is the ect? Not sure what you were referring to.
This is going to sound harsh, but it's for the benefit of diagnosing the car. It is not a personal attack.

I should have been more specific but when I asked for result, I want actual numbers. Fine is not an acceptable answer. When you ask a woman for her number, would you take "fine"? Of course not.

So, let's try again.

What are the compression test numbers?

What is the fuel pressure number at the fuel rail when someone is cranking the engine?

Did you see actual spark coming out of the spark plug?
85 GLH, 367 whp
00 Insight, 72 mpg

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abscate
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Post by abscate »

Yeah, you will have to get specifics to get help.

Most of the things on these cars can't be checked visually, you have to perform tests with equipment and make measurements. If the fuel pump runs but only as 30 psi at the rail, no start.

If you have a weak spark at the plug because of bad wires, no start

The fact that it ran well before isn't relevant other than it probably has not majorly seized up, it is worth pulling the cover and checking that the timing belt is intact, though
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lapederson6
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Year and Model: 1995
Location: Colorado

Post by lapederson6 »

abscate wrote:Time for a two second shot of ether in the air horn and seeing if you get some fire. I bet you don't
When we spray ether, it starts every time. But it the won't stay started. Something is not letting the gas through. The physical parts work, the fuel pump, fuel pump relay, etc. they've all been thoroughly checked. We think it's something in the computer system or some sort of sensor.

We live 4 hours from the nearest Volvo dealership and are hoping to get it fixed ourselves without putting it on a flat bed and hauling it in.

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misha
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Post by misha »

If it starts with "start spray" then ignition is ok.
Fuel pressure should be checked and MAIN fuel injection relay...the grey one on cooling fan carrier(driver's side).Could be that is is bad and injectors are not getting power.

Do you hear buzzing from IAC valve when key is in pos.II?
'97 850 2.5 20v / fully equipped / Motronic 4.4 from the factory / upgraded with S,V,C,XC70 instrument cluster / polar white wagon
History of Volvos in the family:
'71 144 S
'73 144 De Luxe
'78 244 DL
'78 244 DL
'79 244 GLE
'85 340 GLS

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