My 1993 850 GLT (non-turbo) has a starting problem in cold weather (below 0 C). It turns over and runs for a few seconds and then quits. After I repeat this 5 or 10 or 15 times, it finally stays running. After that, no problems, no stalls and seems to run perfectly.

I actually have to turn the key all the way to off and back on for a retry.

The engine does not respond to my foot on the gas pedal during these first few seconds. It's like the fuel system is doing its own cold weather choking but it is not working very well?

Tried so far - 1) changed oil from Mobil-1 10W30 to Mobil-1 0W30. 2)Checked and cleaned air filter and checked hoses. The Intake air pre-heating unit seems like it is stuck but it is stuck in the position where cold air is blocked, so I don't think that is it (I'm going to replace it anyways).

Any clues on what to try next is appreciated. There are no fault codes! (Fenix 5.2 1-1-1). Intake air temperature sensor? Fuel pressure regulator? Idle air control valve?

Thanks!

George in Indianapolis (93 Volvo 850 190K miles)

George--Had the same problem with a 240 here in Wyoming on these very cold, windswept nights. In the morning the car stops and dies, stops and dies, and then eventually gets going. I think the earlier post has it--moisture in the system. Put a can of fuel drier (alcohol) in the tank and see if that picks up the moisture in the fuel lines, fuel filter and tank. With no moisture present it wouldn't freeze and restrict the fuel flow. Dick

George,

I had the same problem last week..here in Minneapolis, however I need a temperature below -5 for this to happen..well it was -15 and then the next working it was -25..obvioulsy starting the car and letting it warm up for 30 minutes before I left work, but I don't like to have my car sit idle with the engine running...I have not determined the source of the problem..but I had the same issue with gas..when I stepped on the gas..basically no acceleration..no increase in RPMs...if I find the answer I'll let you know...it's not a major problem..the temperatures are unsually cold...there must be some frozen moisture building up somewhere in the throttle assembly.

-Scott