Hello lads. I've been having occasional problems starting my '93 850, almost always at the same gas station, strangely enough. Starts then sputters out. When this happens, I've been starting the engine by taking out the fuel pump relay, and jumping the pins with a wire from my ohm meter. Starts immediately every time. So I'm convinced the problem is the relay.

My question is this. A friend I consider knowledgeable is suggesting there is a generic replacement part available for maybe $10-$15, as Volvo probably has a Bosch fuel injection system.

From what I can discover, a new fuel pump relay is going to cost about 50 bucks.

I was thinking about heading to the junk yard to sniff around.

Anybody have an idea regarding a "least expensive option?"

Thanks!

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To check if the fuel pump relay is not working, There is a bleeder behind the fuel filter that you can open or just disconnect the fuel line coming from the fuel tank to the fuel filter. Turn on the ignition and look under the car and see if fuel is pouring out of that line. If it is , replace the fuel filter. If it doesn't pour out, it is ether the relay or the pump.
I just had the same problem with engine not starting. I changed the relay and it ran fine for a week., then it wouldn't start yesterday after a short drive. I changed the relay again and it still wouldn't start. I figured it must be the filter. I did as described above and installed a new fuel filter and it started.
Good Luck!!! RK

RK,

My brother has been yacking at me about the fuel filter. Thing is, I'm never at home when the engine doesn't start. I think the first thing I'll try is opening up the fuel pump relay and inspect the soldering as Klaus suggested.

In the meantime, I think I'll crawl underneath an familiarize myself with the fuel filter and that bleeder you mentioned.

Thanks for response!

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Cheaper still is to take the cover off the relay and resolder the leads.

No generic exists. Even FCP Groton is $45+shipping.
Call your local Volvo dealer parts dept and ask. Who knows if a junk yard version will be OK until you get it home.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Klaus,

I remember soldering some bad contacts on the fuel pump relay in my old Jetta a while back. Pretty tedious stuff.

Does the outer casing of the relay just pop off, or do pry it open with a screwdriver?

And Klaus, thanks again for taking time to share your wisdom.

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Depending on the age of the relay, I have seen them pop off and the base still attached to the car! Others need to be pried up with a thin blade.

One of the things this relay does is shut off the fuel pump if you ever go upside down with the engine running :)

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Aaaahh, they shut off when you're upside down. I guess that makes 'em worth the $45.

Did you acquire that unique knowledge about the 850 fuel pump relay the hard way??

Probably testing my soldering skills tomorrow.

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