While the symptoms are not what I would consider classic fuel injection relay problems you have to consider it. They are a known weak link in the system and many times a replacement solves the problem.

The circuit board in Bosch (brand) relays have a tendency for the solder joints to crack and give intermittent contact. The cheapest way to solve this problem is to remove the relay, open it up, and resolder the joints. The easiest way to get around that is to purchase a new relay and install it.

Your relay tray is under the ashtray of your car. The FAQ's discuss the method to remove the ashtray and the small storage bin above it to make access to the relay tray easier. The FAQ's are found by using the drop down menu on the upper right side of this page. This diagram shows the location of the relay on the extreme left hand side of the middle row.


Your mechanic does not seem to be up to speed on the care and nuturing of your Volvo. I think you can do better, especially in the Pacific Northwest. You might make a new posting with a subject of something like "Need a good Volvo mechanic in Kent, WA"

Personally I would chase the idea of a new fuel injection relay if you have not addressed it in the time you have owned the car. Good luck.

Randy