Looking at an 850 that "does not start"

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 26 Sep 2025, 22:30

I'm going to go look at another 96 850 soon. This one is a glt, that "does not start". It's an auction car. I'll have access to a jump pack, and I plan on taking starting fluid, and some basic tools so that I can pull the distributor cap and clean possible corrosion, maybe pull the timing belt cover to verify it still has a belt.

Anything else simple I should look at to try and get the thing started in the auction yard?

Post by **abscate** » 27 Sep 2025, 02:22

Jumper wire for fuel pump relay and remote stater terminal

Set of plugs

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 27 Sep 2025, 10:19

abscate wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025, 02:22 Jumper wire for fuel pump relay and remote stater terminal

Set of plugs

Thank you. I've never had fuel pump issues on my P80's so I didn't even think of the jumper wire, and no power to the fuel pump would certainly stop a Volvo from starting.

Speaking of plugs, I was sorting through my parts drawer trying to clean it up. I found my original Volvo plugs from my current 850, and tossed them after comparing the gaps to a set of new plugs. I was hoping to toss more than I did, but I kept thinking "I might need that in a pinch". I did toss a broken key fob case for the S70 I no longer have. I have no idea why I kept that to begin with. On a positive note, I found a new Bosch cap I forgot I had.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 29 Sep 2025, 10:55

Well that was a bust. I didn't have time to try starting the car, as I was short on time. However, the car is in rough enough condition that I'm not going to bother. Everything is dirty, even the headliner. It looks like it was abandoned for some time. I knew it wasn't a creme puff, from the pictures, but it's way worse in person.

Post by **scot850** » 29 Sep 2025, 12:31

You are a wise an to know when to walk away. I love to save old Volvos' if I can, but there are limits!

Neil.