850 Stall and re-start
 

I have seen messages relating to my problem here on the Volvo Owners web site and elsewhere. I am looking for advice on the order to ask my garage to check these things out as my car is only worth around £2k I don't want to waste too much money. Mentioned so far have been...

o Fuel Pump relay
o Cam Position sensor
o Crank Position sensor (same as above?)
o MAF sensor
o Swarf wrapped around Fyle Pump gauze
o Oil too thick (or lose of oil) around tappets
o Butterfly valve in throttle setting

I have an M reg Volvo SE 850 2.0 20valve manual estate. For the last 2-3 years it would be hard to re-start after stopping the car. Waiting for 30 seconds works. For the past year the car has broken down when in motion. This typically happens early on in a journey, and when 'coasting' as opposed to accelerating (eg. going around roundabouts etc). It has not yet happened on a typical Motorway journey (where the accelerator is being used constantly).
Occasionally when it is in the process of slowing down with no electrical power if you floor the accelerator it will occasionally restart before you stop. On the journey home last night (10 miles) it stopped 3x. Combined with the initial problem, this is now 'unsafe', and worries me especially when carrying my family. I have had the car looked at by a Volvo dealer in Guildford (but have since moved to this area), and they believed the problem is caused by low oil levels (tappets over-heating?). The car does seem to 'lose' oil over time, but does not seem to burn or leak any. And hasn't been low following recent incidents.


Cheers
Steve

RE: 850 Stall and re-start
 

Yes mine was the same - dangerous to drive. I would replace the FP relay about £25 which is located under the large fuse box lid. If this doesn't clear it do the crank sensor which is located to the right of the engine behind the throttle body. It is held on by 2 torx screws on the side of the engine with a small lead coming off it - don't know the cost, but it is an easy DIY job.

The oil story to me seems like a load of crap to me - i.e.the dealer fobbing you off to get rid of an older car they can't be bothered with !

Hope you sort it,

John.

RE: 850 Stall and re-start
 

The first thing to determine is why the engine has stopped.

It will either be lack of fuel or spark.

It's likely that a lack of fuel will cause some faltering before the engine dies.
Failure of the spark will most likely be instantaneous.

For a 20 Valve car (LH Jetronic/EKZ129).

For a fuel problem I would suspect the fuel pump relay.

For a spark problem the camshaft position sensor.

RE: 850 Stall and re-start
 

It was the Fuel Pump Realy (around £35 including VAT), took me all of 5 minutes to replace, and has run for 100miles since with no problems.
Thanks, it was really good to get some well informed straight answers, and if I was still living near the Volvo garage that I took my car in 2x with the loss of a lot of money but no change in problem I'd go in and give them a (ill-affordable) piece of my mind.
Cheers
Steve