Hi. I saw another 850 no-start post, but mine's different. I tried to start my '95 850 GLT a few days ago, and it started (sort of) for a split second, then died. I tried a few more times, also the next day, and it just turns over. Now a few days later, it was like the first time. It starts for a split second, then dies. On subsequent tries it's just the engine turning. I do smell gas when I pump the pedal, so I'm thinking it's not a fuel delivery problem.

I checked the fuses. I tried checking the diagnostics, using socket 6 of module A (as per Haynes manual), and I get no response. I am able to check the mileage using socket 7 of module A.

If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

Thanks!

Son of a gun, the dang thing started now, after over a week of trying, and on a cold night too. I'm taking it to the mechanic to change my manifold anyway, so I'll ask him to check it out. I'll let everyone know what he finds.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I didn't get a chance to try them yet, hopefully this weekend.

Did you ever try changing the fuel filter ? That worked for me once before.
Now I'm looking into changing the ignition switch because the fuel pump is not getting power and the fuel pump relay is new. I'm changing the ignition switch tomorrow. I be back to tell how it all works out.
RK

Doesn't sound like lawn mower syndrome to me. What about the MAF? With engine off, try unplugging it, then start the car. If it runs, you need a new one. Don't plug it back in with the engine running, only with engine off!

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'96 850 and '83 244 DL both at about 190K; the '81 GLT 245 @ 280K is available

If A-6 won't work, try A-2 for fuel related problems, and make sure the driver's door is closed when checking DTC's. Speaking of which, is your fuel pump priming when you turn the key to posII? A failing fuel pump relay will act the same way.

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

No starts nearly all the time is either the fuel pump or the cam position sensor. Check the codes.

Nearly every 850 that is not used as a daily driver and sits for a longer than normal period of time will do this. If it starts normally and then dies after a few seconds I would do what I explained in my first post before checking anything else. You could easily verify this if you had two simple tools- fuel gauge hooked to the rail and a noid light on one of the injectors. If you have fuel pressure and injector pulse the car has lost compression. Of course a compression gauge would be nice as well but you can use the first two tools mentioned without pulling anything apart.

Does the idle air control valve buzz when the ignition is on? Could be the camm rotation sensor?

Something is buzzing when the ignition is on. I guess it must be the idle air control valve.

If the IAC is buzzing then it's OK.

Remove spark plugs and drop a bit of oil in the cylinders. Reinstall plugs and start car. It sounds like the engine has low compression due to the rings being washed with fuel. Do this first before you waste anymore time.

Thanks, I'll have to give it a try. But I wonder if it's a combination of things, since the first time it didn't start it wouldn't have had a chance to get washed with fuel. I hadn't started it in over a week, though, as it's sort of the "spare" car right now.

I doubt this is due to low compression. If a few drops of cure your compression problem, you have a big problem, no compression.
Pull the plugs and see if they are wet.
I'd check for spark, but not sure how you do that if you have coil on plug ignition.
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84 242Ti IPD bars&springs, 89 745 16v M46 IPD bars, 89 744 16v M46 IPD bars, 93 945 Turbo AW71, 91 245SE AW70 IPD bars, 93 245 CLassic M47

You haven't seen a whiteblock do this before? It is pretty common. What I described is very easy to do and could eliminate a lot of wasted time testing other things. Keep it simple.