Hello,
I am fairly new to my 1994 Volvo and it just started having a problem on Friday. I went to start, and the engine kept turning over, but it would not start. Did as much checking as my limited mechanical skills allowed (checking fuses, had gas, dusting the engine) and then after about 10 minutes, it started on the first try. It ran fine the rest of the day (about 5 more starts) and the rest of the weekend. This morning it did the same thing. I tried to start it twice, then let it set for maybe 5 minutes, and it started just fine. I have read over some of the posts, but am not sure where to start. It has not had any problems so far and I am praying that it is not the start of a costly repair. I checked my emergency car repair fund and there was an IOU!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Tracy

Greetings,
I ran into the same problem on my '93 854 a couple of months ago... It turned out to be the camshaft position sensor. To check your fault codes, primarily the camshaft position sensor ones, find the diagnostic module under the hood. It is located to the far left in the front of the engine compartment. With the ignition switched off, unclip the jumper wire from its holder and insert it into socket number 6 of the module. Turn the ignition on the the "II" position (before start) and head back around to the module. Press the button on module A for about a second, and take down any fault codes that are present. It will blink them at you in a morse code fashion. The ones to look out for in regard to the CPS are: 314: Camshaft position sensor signal absent
324: Camshaft position sensor signal absent intermittently

Also, check out Volvospeed for further clarification of the fault code reading. In addition, the Haynes manual for 850's is useful for looking up the codes as well as many other things you may run into. The sensor isn't too difficult to replace and will probably run about $150. Good luck,
Ryan
--
'93 854 GLT, 152k

Is there any instructions on how to replace the CPS or where is the best place to buy one?

Thanks

my 94 850 acted same way. cam sensor was the culprit.

Also,
How do I check codes on my car? I tried to go to volvospeed.com/checkenging.htm, but it says access is forbidden.

Thanks

The URL is:

http://www.volvospeed.com/CheckEngine.htm

I just went there and it was working fine. This will tell you how to check your codes, but you will need to get the Haynes manual to tell you what the codes mean.

Not enough information to hazard a guess on the no start condition. Once you pull your codes you might be able to tell more.

Phantom

I had a similar problem. I had the car towed to the dealer, they replaced the spark plugs and said that I wasn't starting the car properly?!! If you check some other posts you will find others that have had the same thing happen. The general advice is never give the car gas when starting and don't start the car and then shut it off right away, ie moving it in the driveway. Something about too much gas fouling out the spark plugs. Sounds crazy but I haven't had that problem since. Try it before replacing alot of parts. Jim.