850 sedan 1994 Car will not start

blueberry1 · Post by **blueberry1** » 28 Sep 2009, 12:56

Good day, Gentlemen. My problem is that the vehicle will not start. I have made several attempts to get it started but to no such luck. Here is a brief history of the said Volvo: Got it at 197K, now has approx 215k and odom broke last April 2008 at 200,475 miles. Check engine light has always been on since I inherited it and had it's timing belt replaced in Aug. 2007@ 168K. MAF sensor replaced in April 2007 and fuel filter replaced around the same time. It was tuned up last Aug. 2008 with OEM tune up kit and pcv replaced as well. It ran fine until now, 3 weeks ago it would not start. The engine turns and the battery is strong but it would not catch. I have replaced the plugs, cleaned the cap and rotor and it's contact points. I have verified that there is fuel pressure via the schrader valve along the fuel rail cover. I also replaced the fuel pump relay with a functioning one and check that there was spark from the sp wires and the distributor itself. Have not done any code searching since I can't afford it at a stealership and I'm running out of funds and patience. Any other suggestions? I have it listed for sale for parts on craigslist and some supposed volvo tech offered 100 bucks for it.

Post by **misha** » 28 Sep 2009, 13:24

You don't need to go to stealership....since you have '94 model you can do it yourself.All you need is a pencil and a paper.Like this:

http://volvospeed.com/CheckEngine.php

Read your codes,post'em here,and we will tell you what is wrong.
First time you can erase all of your troble codes,after you read them,and then see which ones are comming back.After you do that you can more clearly identify what is really wrong.

blueberry1 · Post by **blueberry1** » 28 Sep 2009, 14:16

Wow! You learn something new everyday. Many thanks! It may take me some time to do since I have already exhausted the battery. I'll try to get this done ASAP and post my findings.

blueberry1 · Post by **blueberry1** » 29 Sep 2009, 14:26

Ok Misha. I followed the instructions carefully and these are the codes I came up with: 1.) 1-2-1, 2.) 5-1-2, 3.)5-1-1, 4.) 2-2-3 and then they just repeat the cycle so I cleared them and it registered 1-1-1. Now what? The car still would not start.

Post by **misha** » 29 Sep 2009, 16:43

Those codes are not meaning nothing if you don't tell us from which ports they are.From a1,a2,a3....
a1-transmission
a2-fuel system
a3-abs
a5-transmission control
a6-ignition system
a7-combined instrument

blueberry1 · Post by **blueberry1** » 29 Sep 2009, 17:01

I see. My mistake. Forgive the newb...Anyway, I took the readings from A2 and as I have said, I cleared it all and did another reading and it came back 1-1-1.
What should be my next step? I attempted to start it but still no go. It cranks strong like before but no spark?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Sep 2009, 17:23

1-2-1 indicates a faulty signal from the MAF sensor. Usually a bad MAF will make the car run like crap but it won't keep it from starting. It could be an old code from when someone forgot to plug it back in.

5-1-1 and 5-1-2 are lean limit codes from the O2 sensor . It is often as a result of a vacuum leak - again it won't keep the car from running.

2-2-3 is an idle air control valve problem. That indeed can cause the car to not start.

Does the IAC valve (it is right next to the throttle body) buzz when you have the key in position II?

On your '94 also pull codes from port A-6 which is the ignition system ECU and post them back.

...Lee

blueberry1 · Post by **blueberry1** » 29 Sep 2009, 17:42

Thanks so very much for your prompt attention...I am certainly learning a lot from you all. The IAC no longer buzzes. It use to. Could that be the culprit? I will also try to pull the codes from port A-6 and will post ASAP. Thanks again.

Post by **misha** » 29 Sep 2009, 17:49

Like Lee allready said...this is the only thing(from your problem list)that can stop your car from starting.

Replace it and then we will help you what to do next about other codes.
Maybe you'll need to replace your Maf,but we will know that for sure only when you succesfully start your car.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 29 Sep 2009, 18:14

If the IAC valve no longer buzzes then it is likely that the fuel injectors are not firing. The same relay (master fuel system relay) controls the power to both of them.

The relay is a gray relay mounted on the fan shroud towards the drivers side of the car.

The wiring to its socket is terribly exposed and subject to all kinds of damage but you need to check for battery voltage on the green wire from the relay while the key is in position II. If you have no voltage then chances are the relay is bad but the wiring itself can be bad.

I'll raise the ante on your mechanic - I'll give you $125.00 for it.

It makes me ill - what a bunch of crooks.

...Lee