Car died as I was getting off freeway

[Sasquatch63]

Was driving home one day, and as I was getting off the freeway, the car just stalled out and died on me. Tried to start it back up, but it would just rev up a bit, shake, then die. Had to push it over to the side of the road to wait for AAA. Thought it was because I ran out of gas (instrument cluster sometimes doesn't show accurate readings). AAA came out and gave me a 1/4 tank, but still no luck. Got it towed to my place and it's just sitting here now.

Initial thought was fuel pump, but I had a guy come out yesterday and said he doesn't believe the pump is the problem. He claims he heard the pump ticking, and there was the smell of fuel coming from the engine bay. His opinion was something to do with the oxygen/fuel mixture. He wasn't able to further assist because he didn't have the proper equipment.

I had another guy come this morning and he suggested that both oxygen sensors are bad and need to be replaced, and that was what was causing the problems. His scanner supposedly can only show 1 code at a time, but the code it was showing was o2 sensor.

Not really sure what else it could be. I'm not too familiar with these cars. Does anyone have any other ideas? Mileage is probably around the 170-180k mark? Like I said, the instrument cluster got replaced with one that isn't for this car, so the lights and gauges aren't 100%.... The dang speedometer is 15 mph slower than what it actually drives

I appreciate the help!

[June]

Oxygen sensor won't stop the car from starting. The computer does not use them until the engine reaches a certain temperature. During warm up computer uses preset value to run the engine rich like a choke used to accomplish for a carburetor. The crank sensor will stop it from starting for example. You must have the car scanned with VIDA DICE or you are going to be wasting money throwing parts at it. June

Oh, you are insane to let just anyone touch your Volvo. A couple of guys can turn your car into a total loss. You must find a mechanic who understands European cars and has the right equipment to work on them.

[E Showell]

When was the timing belt and associated components on that vehicle last changed?

[abscate]

Tools needed for P2 fuel delivery diagnosis. Either Vida or fuel pressure gauge on fuel rail

Tools not needed.Ears listening for ticking sound. Mechanics who think OXS inhibit starting. Mechanics diagnosing by smell.

If it is a fuel delivery problem, the weakest link is a module in the rear of the car that controls the fuel pump, funnily enough, called the Pump ELectronic Module or PEM. You need VIDA or good electronics to trouble shoot it.

[Sasquatch63]

I don't think the belt has been replaced, or any other major components. The car was bought for $700 at an auction, so not too much information on it's history.

It's hard to find any decent mechanic in my area, especially one that specializes in these cars. Like I've mentioned, I'm not too familiar with these, so I don't really know what potential headaches I could be getting by diving into this... Just wanted to get a few opinions before I actually attempt any repairs, otherwise I may have to end up buying a different car.

[abscate]

Expect to spend about $1000 to restore that car to daily driver status, doing the work yourself. Double that if it’s paid labor. A decent daily driver runner will fetch 1500-2000 , and the ones needing work sell at auction for $500

The higher end European cars suck you in by looking so much better than the other auction cars, but you have to commit to fixing them yourself to stay on a burger budget

If you are downtown there is a good indie ( called Lundy or like ?) my business partner has used recently, in SAN area.