Hello all. I'm pretty new to this forum as far as posting but have been reading many-many threads over the months when trying to diagnose problems with my son's Volvo 850 GLT. I must say, this forum has been a GREAT help. My hat is off to all you knowledgeable folk for the help you provide to others.

Ok, on to my latest problem.....we are dealing with a 93' 850 GLT 2.4ltr 5 cyl non turbo auto trans model. I'm pretty green at this so if there is other pertinent info. you need right off the bat please tell me what I need to provide and I'll be glad to give it (if I know it).

The problem seems to be a pretty common one for this particular model from what I've read here and on a few other Volvo Forums. To start off with, the car takes a couple turns of the key to turn over/start. Once running it idles just fine. But, when you go to accelerate it really lags, almost dies but not quite. If you feather the gas peddle it will slowly come up to speed and then appear to run fine for the most part. That's around town up to speeds of about 35 mph. However, if you are on the freeway the problem is even worse and has on 2 occasions actually stalled and died.

From reading tons of posts all over the place about these symptoms here is what we have done so far....
1.) Replaced the Fuel Pump Relay
2.) Replaced the MAF sensor (Mass AirFlow Sensor)
3.) Replaced the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)
*The only code that we ever got was a 1-2-1 indicating the MAF Sensor which is why it was the 1st thing we replaced. Ever since then no new codes or even a repeat of the 1-2-1 has come up even though the car is still doing the same thing.

It seemed to be doing better for a day or two after these changes but is right back where it was before.

The latest thing we did just yesterday was a Fuel pressure check. I don't know what all you are supposed to do for a "complete" test so we just took readings at a fully warmed up idling engine. We only had 29 psi! I know it's supposed to be about 43 psi. Here's my question....how do I know if that means I have a bad Fuel Pump as opposed to say a bad Fuel Pressure Regulator? Any other specific tests we can do with those two things to help narrow it down?

Before ya ask, no, we can not afford to take it to a Volvo dealer (or any mechanic for that matter) at this point. Personal financial woes will not allow for that. Besides, I have read post after post of people who have had this exact same problem, have taken it to a Volvo dealer and after a few thousand bucks either still couldn't tell them what was wrong or just replaced about 5 or 6 things and never really know which one actually fixed it. So even if I had the money I would not feel confident in having this issue resolved by a dealer. I have more faith in folks who have had hands on experience with this exact issue. Hope you understand what I'm trying to convey.

At this point my next step would be to replace the Fuel Pressure Regulator only because it is around $50.00 as compared to a new Fuel pump which range from $200.00-$400.00 depending on what and where you get it from. I wouldn't mind spending the $50.00 on the Regulator if I thought that was the problem and because it probably should be replaced any way, but, if it turns out that it isn't the problem that $50.00 would go a long ways towards a new Fuel pump. Know what I mean!?

Please forgive my horrifically long post. I promise to keep it short and concise when answering any follow up questions. If anyone has any helpful insights or suggestions I would love to hear them. Thank you very much for your time.

Bryan