# Hard start on cold mornings

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** 850, start, volvo\
**Created:** [October 4, 2009, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571 "2009-10-04T13:10:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![sonofabrit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@sonofabrit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sonofabrit)\
**Post date:** [October 4, 2009, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571/1 "2009-10-04T13:10:09Z")

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I have a 95 Volvo 850. The car will start with no problem with an outside temperature of 55 degrees. If it is lower than 55 degrees the car starts & then turns off. After 6 or more attempts to start the car, and you think it is running and I step on the gas, it cuts off. Then a buzzing sound comes from the dash, once the buzzing stops the car starts? Any ideas why this happens? I have been advised it may be something electrical, if this is so why does it not do it when it is warm outside? Sometimes this ritual takes 15-20 minutes before I can get the car running without cutting off.

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**Author:** ![pgdyk1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/dbc845/32.png) [@pgdyk1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pgdyk1)\
**Post date:** [October 4, 2009, 4:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571/2 "2009-10-04T16:58:57Z")

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Is it a diesel? You have to “wait to start” with a diesel, with the key in the “on” position. Once the buzzing stops, it’ll start no problem. This allows enough time for the glow plugs to heat up the cylinders.

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**Author:** ![sonofabrit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@sonofabrit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sonofabrit)\
**Post date:** [October 4, 2009, 10:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571/3 "2009-10-04T22:14:20Z")

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Thank you for your reply. No the car is gasoline, not a diesel. I was advised it has something to do with the “cold start swith”, never heard of this. Any suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [October 4, 2009, 10:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571/4 "2009-10-04T22:48:59Z")

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Are you sure they did not say “Cold start valve?”

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**Author:** ![sonofabrit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e4f/32.png) [@sonofabrit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sonofabrit)\
**Post date:** [October 5, 2009, 9:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hard-start-on-cold-mornings/37571/5 "2009-10-05T09:19:33Z")

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I am sure, it could be. Is this a easy repair? I am going to need to hire a mechanic that is for sure. I am not looking to spend high dollars, this is a commuter car with 220k miles, great MPG at 30. My only means of transportation at present.