Having a real nightmare with our Volvo 850 Automatic - some days it's just not starting - like today! Had a similar problem the day before and the breakdown guy said he couldn't find anything wrong. Then said it must be an intermittent electrical fault as there was no spark at all and then all of a sudden there was and the car started fine?! Finding things really difficult as we have three kids to get to school and it's too far to walk.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar problem or can recommend someone to take a look at it.

Thanks,
Trulytru

similar problem with my car exept it starts but cuts out after about 3 minutes.....fed up with calling out the AA so I just booked in it to garage for complete checkover and testing from top to bottom....

Have you had it serviced recently? If not, then I would.

Other than that, I wonder about having an auto electrician look over it, perhaps see if he can diagnose anything....

Good luck! :)

***Stagewalker***

I know a really good mechanic. He works from home so doesn`t charge the earth. PM me if you want details

mine never used to start when it was wet outside. i still dont know why. luckily i crashed it.

there was a thing about volvos on watchdog last monday...something to do with the electronic throttle module failing, which controls fuel flow and the cars power. there is information on the fault and the known affected models on the watchdog website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/reports/transport/transport_20060214.shtml

and volvo customer services have more info.
Could be the problem with yours, if it is its worth getting it checked out as it is potentially dangerous if you are going at 80 on the motorway and have a sudden power failure.