11 replies to this topic

[Patchouli_Pete]

Two nights ago my 1995 850, 136k, did not start. It would crank over but not start. At times it seems to putter like it is going to start. I have done a series of test on the car...TB is turning, gas is flowing, battery is good (7 months old), but no spark at all. How do I test the ignition coil and what are it's perimeters? If this is fine what do I look for next? How would I check the cam sensor? Better yet, where is it? Thanks for your help,
Pete

[Bay13]

cam sensor is on the rear, so that would be the drivers side(cars left USA) of the exhaust cam. Just in back of the bracket that holds the upper torque mount.

Check of spark by pulling the coil wire off the distrubutor and use the strut bolts that are right there by the coil to test for spark as you turn the engine over, if you have spark, then do a search for "italian tuneup" and try that.

[Patchouli_Pete]

cam sensor is on the rear, so that would be the drivers side(cars left USA) of the exhaust cam.  Just in back of the bracket that holds the upper torque mount.

Check of spark by pulling the coil wire off the distrubutor and use the strut bolts that are right there by the coil to test for spark as you turn the engine over, if you have spark, then do a search for "italian tuneup" and try that.

Thanks for the response but I have NO spark, I have done a series of tests. I am looking for how to test the coil or other possible no start causes.

[Mesoam]

if it seems to sputter like it is going to start then you are getting intermitant spark, there would be no signs of sputtering if there was no spark

did you check your diagnostic box?

coils are "fairly" generic hense the universal MSD e/t/c. Do you have another volvo to pull one from?

[Patchouli_Pete]

if it seems to sputter like it is going to start then you are getting intermitant spark, there would be no signs of sputtering if there was no spark

did you check your diagnostic box?

coils are "fairly" generic hense the universal MSD e/t/c. Do you have another volvo to pull one from?

No other Volvo to pull it from. No codes from the lights, but I don't have a obd II to check for others.
I am not sure if i would call it a sputter maybe just trying to turn over.

would a coil from a 95 saab 900 work?

[Mesoam]

it might be a different voltage? not really sure...but as long as it has the + and - lead's on it for the module to screw onto it should work...hope that helps

[Patchouli_Pete]

it might be a different voltage? not really sure...but as long as it has the + and - lead's on it for the module to screw onto it should work...hope that helps

I got spark and gas now, and i did not switch the coils. But i still am not able to start the car....any clue what now?

[Mesoam]

not sure how to check it without replacing it but the car won't start w/ the CMP sensor malfunctioning

[Patchouli_Pete]

I finally got the car started! I cranked it for about 45 sec. or more with the gas pedal on the floor and it finally started. Though it is a little tough to restart; it takes a little more crank than usual to start. It also seems to idle a little rough. I am attributing this to the distributor cap and roter condition....new ones on the way Thanks for all your help and if you have any other suggestions please let me know
Pete

[Mesoam]

do a search for "italian tuneup" and try that.

i'll second that...exhibiting the classic symptoms

[Kashif]

Here my post regarding my adventures in the Italian Tune Up

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=3248&hl=

Hope this helps

Edited by Kashif, 27 February 2005 - 11:11 PM.

[satgale]

Same thing happend to me. It was a sensor and some hoses. I think the MAF sensor.
Cost about 270 Euro to fix