Here is the senerio:

get out to start the car for the first time of the day. Turn the key, everything engages as it should, but the car then sputters, hesitates, and dies. Repeat a second time and this time it sounds like the starter stays engaged to long, it sputters and dies. Try it a third time and this time it runs spuratic, rpms are bouncing from 0 - 1000, starter still sounds like it is engaged with flywheel. Hear a whining noise and it cuts out. Fourth and final time turn the key staying on it longer the motor engages, extra whinning from the starter unit and the rpms hoover around 600 until it warms up.

Any clues as to what this is all about? Would like to fix this once and for all.

The car in question is a 96 volvo 850 glt wagon, auto, non-turbo unit.

Thanks.