I have a 95 850 that on a cold day it would fire on the first try every time and had a little valve (I think) clatter until the engine warmed up. Yesterday, on a not cold morning (35 degrees), the engine sputtered badly for 2-3 seconds and then would not turn over. It seemed as if the engine was not receiving fuel. I checked under the car and inside the engine compartment but no leaks or smells coming from it. It turns over and sputters a bit but near fires up. Again, it seems like it isn't receiving fuel. Are there any checks I can do before having it towed to a shop? I was wondering if it was a fuel pump or something with the fuel injector system that was causing the no start. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 95 850 turbo that has done the identical thing to us in the past. I would say that this has happened about 5-6 times over the last four years. It just happened about a week ago and that was the worst it ever was. I ended up cranking on it for about 10 minutes before it finally started. I then took it out and ran it hard...it seemed just fine. Has started fine ever since. I have no idea what causes it. Weather does not seem to be a factor.

My '95 850 has had a similar condition 5 or 6 times since I bought it new. After having it towed to the dealer the first time, they started it in the parking lot by engaging the starter and continuing to turn the engine over until it finally started. (Just like you would do for an old car that was flooded). I now do the same thing whenever this happens and it always starts eventually - just keep turning the engine without pressing on the accelerator. It could take 30 - 60 seconds (or maybe longer) of cranking to get it to start. There does not seem to be any particular time or weather conditions when this occurs. Once it starts, I can turn it off and it will start up normally again. I assume it is something in a relay or some other electronic part but I've never been able to determine the exact cause.
If this does not work, below is a link to some responses to a similar question on the board. Some other things to consider and try. You could also do a search for "won't start" to get a lot of other responses. Good Luck.

http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=437024&show_all=1

I actually moved the car to pull another car out of the garage and ran it for 60 seconds at the most. This is the first winter my 850 is outside and this may explain the issue. It had done this in the past in the garage but by turning it over the second time for 20 seconds it fired and I was on my way. I'll let it warm up on this fine Pensyvania day with high temps near 55 degrees.

Much thanks for the advice. The dealers must hate the Brickboard site because the car was set for a towing and a minimum $150 service invoice today. This is truly a time and money saving site for any Volvo owner. Thanks again.