So the car cranks and eventually turns over, and the battery is good, but it won't start in cold weather (below about 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit). It has about 205K miles (I bought it a year ago with 199K on it). Any thoughts> Thanks, as always.

Your 1998 just might be a 'southern' car, so when you buy a FL condo, park it down there.

There are a few possibilities, like needing a new ECT sensor. If you have a multimeter, unplug the ECT (just under the thermostat) and probe the two leads. At 32F the resistance should be around 7300, higher when colder and lower numbers as the engine gets warmer.

How 'good' is the battery? If the engine does not turn over fast enough, you will not have a strong enough spark. The engine needs good alternator output to power the coil properly.

Listen for the fuel pump when you move the key to position II, before engaging the starter. If you don't hear it, check the relay and the pump.

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Thanks Klaus. I am guessing it may be the fuel pump. Not hearing anything at first. When it does eventually start, I hear a noise that sounds like it is coming from in front of the left side of the dashboard, almost in front of the air vent.

Time to pop the hood. The fuel pump is in the tank, the fuel pump relay is in the fuse box (#103) and should not make noise. You will need a T25 screwdriver to remove the 3 screws, as the relays are under the fuse tray.

The idle control motor at the throttle body will make a little vibration noise when the key is in posII.

If you do not hear any pump noise when the key goes to posII, the relay is probably shot. I carry a spare in the glove box. You can verify a bad relay by lifting it out, placing a large paper clip in holes marked 15 & 87. Then turn the key to posII, the pump will run continously. This is only a test, don't drive the car this way, please.

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

I think that must be it, and so I need to get a new one (or two; a spare is a good idea, and I have two of these cars). Looks like they are about $55 at FCP Groton. Do you have any suggestions for a less expensive source? Would buying several from a pick and pull make sense, or is this a part that fails a lot?
Thanks again!

They do fail after a while, but I found spares in pick&pulls. Before you make the leap, just trade with the other car and see if that cures the problem. The 850 and V70 are the same.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic