96 Volvo 850 starts but wont stay running VIDEO

Volvovlo · Post by **Volvovlo** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:07

The other day my Volvo died on the way to work. Ran 100% perfectly then when coasting down a hill the engine stopped. It's a 1996 NA Volvo 850.

The car always starts, at first the car ran perfectly again and could even drive in the driveway (I didnt trust it to take me anywhere) but now it always stalls. With my foot on the gas it will stay running, with a misfire. Blows out white smoke (Running rich?) left a splatter of petrol on the driveway from the exhaust. No water in oil and vice versa, head gasket is probably fine.

I have another 850 exactly the same which I can swap parts from. The only part I can't change is the MAF sensor, because its broken in my other car. So far I've checked all fuses, swapped fuel relay, swapped the 3 computers, disconnected MAF (runs the same, again can't replace this as its broken in the other car) and the fuel pump can be heard running, But I am leaning either towards a problem with the MAF or the fuel pump not working properly?? I've listened for vacuum leaks and can hear something but not sure where its coming from. I Honestly don't think that is the issue.

Can anyone point me towards whether I should look into a new MAF or if I should swap some more parts over? Engine light is on but I am unable to read the codes.

Thank you

Video: P.S: My foot is only on the throttle on the 3rd start. The fluctuation of revs on the other starts are happening on their own

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:18

Sorry to hear about your problems... I hope we can all get it squared away.

First things first, as of right now, midnight EST/USA, your video is unavailable. Though, only a few of our wisest sages could pinpoint exactly what's wrong with your car from a few seconds of sputtering sounds!

Codes will tell you if you have a misfire in any of the cylinders--pointing you towards a specific course of action.

One, thing: How's your fuel pressure regulator? Any "smells" of gasoline around the engine bay? Have you checked out the schrader valve on the fuel rail? I read somewhere on here that at 20 years, it's probably a good idea to think about replacing that. (Though, I could be making it up that I read that... us Americans and our penchant for truthiness!) Press the valve, WITH THE CAR OFF!, and make sure that there's fuel going to the rail. Better yet, put on a fuel pressure tester and report back some numbers.

I don't think it's your MAF, just based off of your symptoms. From what I've read on here, the MAF doesn't keep the car from starting, it just makes it run really horrible.

I thought the 96 had both the OBDII and the push-button/light thing?

Volvovlo · Post by **Volvovlo** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:26

Video should now work. No smell of fuel around the engine bay, Checked the schrader valve, squirts fuel onto the throttle thing. I don't have a fuel pressure tester. My car only has ODBII but I don't have anything to read the codes. Car runs horrible

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:29

Have you tried starting the car with the MAF disconnected?

Volvovlo · Post by **Volvovlo** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:33

theWIFES_S70 wrote:Have you tried starting the car with the MAF disconnected?

Yes I have. Runs the same, but I've had a MAF problem before on another car but it was still drivable as long as my foot was on the gas. This car is far from drivable and has a misfire right through the rev range

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:34

So you're getting the same sound/feeling from the engine with or without the MAF connected?

That seems like a MAF issue... But again, those codes will probably provide more definitive information.

Volvovlo · Post by **Volvovlo** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:39

theWIFES_S70 wrote:So you're getting the same sound/feeling from the engine with or without the MAF connected?

Correct. But I also get the same symptoms if I unplug the little silver cylinder in front of the throttle. So I am unsure what it is

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 10 Dec 2016, 22:51

I might throw that broken MAF in there and see how your car sounds. That sounds like some long-winded way to troubleshoot, but you gotta work with what you have.

I might also pull some plugs and swap out wires and cap. Again, long-winded troubleshoot... but you'd at least be eliminating some possible problems.

It certainly sounds (seems) like you might have to get a MAF... But again, those codes...

You should think about picking one of these up:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HHOBD-ELM327 ... Swo4pYNq~Y

Volvovlo · Post by **Volvovlo** » 10 Dec 2016, 23:14

Changed the MAF over and put the other broken one in, runs MUCH better but wont idle due to the fact the second MAF is already bad. So I will get a new MAF sensor. But there is still a misfire that wasn't there before my car broke down and i doubt (but could be?) related to the MAF.

Thank you

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 10 Dec 2016, 23:22

MAFS, I've read, have the ability to create all sorts of problems... glad you have a course of action to take. Good luck!!