No start 1997 850

andrewjllrar · Post by **andrewjllrar** » 08 Jul 2026, 09:13

Weird issues with starting. My daily wagon was running great then went to start it yesterday and it just turns over with no start up.. Sometimes when I try it’s like the starter disengages. If I return key to starting position, it cranks fine again with no start.

Fuel pump makes it growl at key on, MAF sensor disconnect has no effect, ran fine yesterday. Bad camshaft position sensor?

I did have a weird thing happen about a week ago. I was idling and the cooling fan tripped and the car died. Started up fine again…

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Jul 2026, 09:22

Sounds like the starter disengagement thing is a red herring.

The engine needs four things to run: Spark, fuel, compression, timing. ssumiung it actually does have fuel (best check is test fuel pressure art the rail, I'd check for spark. Cam sensor is a reasonable guess. If the cam (or crank) sensor is out there will be no spark. Pull a plug and check it for spark when cranking. If no spark then look more carefully into the spark path (cap, rotor, cam and crank sensors, coil, probably some other things ...).

andrewjllrar · Post by **andrewjllrar** » 08 Jul 2026, 09:29

The thing that mystified it for me is the abrupt no start. If memory serves serves the only other abrupt no start cause is MAF (which failed me as I was driving along a busy street at 40mph. A new experience).

It would seem that everything else but fuel starvation would be a gradual thing maybe. But I’m surprised every day with my 30 year old beast.

jmartin919 · Post by **jmartin919** » 08 Jul 2026, 09:56

I had a sudden no start that was resolved with new plugs.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 08 Jul 2026, 11:07

Follow advice from ErikV. "Test, dont guess".
Figure what is missing first and then we can talk about possible suspects.

andrewjllrar · Post by **andrewjllrar** » 23 Jul 2026, 13:10

Update— starting week three with no start. Tested and completed:

Spark, including new plugs
Injector pulse
Fuel pump primes
MAF unplug test
Timing belt intact and tight
Lawnmower procedure ineffective
New Fuel injector relay (greenish relay at top left of fan shroud)

I’m thinking the only thing left is fuel pressure test?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 23 Jul 2026, 13:20

If you have a fuel pressure gauge, fuel pressure test is simple. Should be something like 50 PSI.
volvolugnut

Post by **erikv11** » 23 Jul 2026, 14:00

Can you see the spark jump when its cranked, like if you pull a plug and let it ground to the cam cover?

Post by **scot850** » 23 Jul 2026, 14:38

For an 850, fuel pressure is more like 43psi, it will run with high 30's.

Cam or crank sensor which I think was already mentioned.

Some of the symptoms you mention would also point to the electrical portion of the ignition switch failing. Also, can't recall if the 850 has a start inhibit if the immobilizer has been tripped. But based on the fact you have been in and out of the car and likely locking and unlocking multiple times that may not be the issue, but if you use a fob for door opening, try locking slowly locking and unlocking the driver's door lock a few times just to eliminate that.

Neil.

andrewjllrar · Post by **andrewjllrar** » 23 Jul 2026, 16:39

Just got the fuel pressure loaner…

I think I mentioned I have spark.

Battery is getting low and it’s like my starter is sometimes disengaging when I’m still holding the key in the crank position. Resets if I reset the key position. Don’t know if that’s a low battery issue, starter issue, ignition issue or what.

Have had some people say I should do a compression test but I’m getting no rpm run which makes me think that’s my last possibility but what do I know…