Thanks so much for the info.  Yes, my check engine light is on and that needs to be addressed.  In the meantime, I am going to try pressing the gas pedal to the floor   We've tried this in the past for some reason that I cannot recall (was a long time ago) and it worked.  My sister and I will keep ''plugging'' along.  
 
Happy New Year!
 
Pam
 
P.S.  We've already purchased a new car but would love to keep the Volvo.  It has been a wonderful car.  
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Jan 3, 2022 4:49 PM
To:
Subject: BRICKBOARD: Stalling issue
 
There is a new reply to your post on the Brickboard.
 
PERMALINK (new post): https://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/1682837/850/stalling_issue.html
POSTED BY: KlausC
PERMALINK (in reply to): https://www.brickboard.com/AWD/volvo/1682828/850/stalling_issue.html
 
Not enough data for a good diagnosis. You could have a lot of carbon on the plugs and when you push on the gas, it floods. A flooded engine can be restarted only if you wait a long time, or press the gas pedal to the floor and leave it there while cranking.
 
If the check engine light is not on, a scanner will not do much for you. If the CEL is on, an auto parts store should be able to read the codes for you.
 
 
Which scanner? Personal preference, and cost. Up to the buyer. You have a 1997, so one with a lot of bells and whistles will not do much for you.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new