Volvo 1996 STalls, studders after vehicle warms up

JeremyRos1 · Post by **JeremyRos1** » 30 Jan 2010, 19:22

Its 5 degrees here in Ct. I have a 96 Volvo 850GLT with 290k. This stalling problem just started today. I assume its because of the freezing temps. I also thought maybe water got into the gas tank so I added dry gas. Im not sure what else to do to narrow down the problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. The cars studders and when this happens, hitting the gas pedal doesnt do anything. the car just dies. I cannot afford a Volvo dealer, and Ive had this car forever. I swear by this model!! Its had a tune up recently and fuel filter was changed. The car studders then finally dies. It catches then dies. after a while, it starts right up like nothing happened. After it gets warm, its starts to studder then die. Its happens while driving too. Hitting the gas pedal does nothing

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 30 Jan 2010, 23:11

Do you have a turbo or a N/A version? If you have a turbo it could be that your intercooler drain is plugged up and the intercooler froze which cuts off the intake air.

Is the CEL on and have you read the codes?

...Lee

Post by **jblackburn** » 31 Jan 2010, 00:35

A '96 GLT is a N/A engine.

I wonder if it could be a bad throttle position sensor flaking out when it gets warm under the hood? I can't think of what else on an N/A engine would cause it to die out only when the engine gets warm.

Either way, checking the computer for codes would be a very good first step. Even if there is no check engine light, sometimes the car will still have codes stored in the computer to give you a better idea of what's wrong

JeremyRos1 · Post by **JeremyRos1** » 31 Jan 2010, 05:17

The car is a NON turbo engine. The check engine lite is burnt out, so I cannot tell if it is on. Can I check for codes without buying an expensive OBD tester?? Where is the TPS located? How can I check? Someone suggested a bad coolant temp sensor??

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 31 Jan 2010, 06:16

You can have the codes checked at most chain auto parts stores for free. They will tell you that it won't read codes unless the light is CEL is on but just tell them that the lamp is burned out and convince them to do it anyway. In reality Volvos will post codes even before the CEL comes on.

If that fails you can buy your own code reader at Harbor Freight for around $40.00.

...Lee

polska · Post by **polska** » 02 Feb 2010, 22:35

Try pulling the MAF sensor out to hang free and drive around town very easy for 10 minutes. If the symptoms don't show up, clean the MAF sensor with electrical contact cleaner and hopefully that solves the problem.

mdempst_79 · Post by **mdempst_79** » 03 Feb 2010, 05:00

Check that your temp gauge is working properly, that will tell you that the ECT sensor is fine or not. Another thing to look into would be your fuel pump relay. These can get bad solder joints on the circuit board inside (Easy DIY repair). Do you have a fuel pressure tester ?

Mark