My 1997 Volvo 850 always needs to have a jump start in the morning. I havent changed the sparks plugs in years, could this be the problem?

Check sensors for aircon as this share the 5 V supply for the throttlebody sensor

if your getting an orange spark then change the coil it is obviously failing, quite possibly. leaky

Here ya go: http://volvospeed.com/Repair/sparkplugs.php

change oil and filter will help /replace spark plugs too

Hi!

Sounds to me like the engine in fact is getting gas when idleing, but not getting enough air. Therefore my 2 cents are on you IACV (Idle Air Controller Valve). It's a small steel cylinder suspended in a rubber piece on the front of your throttle body, and its job is to supply the engine with air when idleing. This is a necessity since the throttle body valve is closed when the gas pedal isn't pressed. Take out the IACV and clean it thoroughly, also make sure that the air going from it is not hindered by any gunk or deposits on its way to the intake manifold.
(You could have someone hold their hand on the IACV when you take your foot of the gas pedal. If nothing happens it's probably dead or stuck. If something does happen there is still a chance that the air is hindered somewhere).

Good luck, let us know if this didn't help!

check for compression on all cylinders if you ran the engine hot to long you may have blown the head gasket another way you would know is by filling up the radiator with water and then with the cap off turn the starter like if your going to start the engine if you see the water jump out of radiator then you have a blown gasket another way is by checking the oil if it looks like coffee with milk then the gasket is blown, I hope this information is useful good luck

Check to see you have spark on all plugs.Then check ur fuel system to see if your getting fuel.Then we can assist you.

It may well be a camshaft sensor at fault. The camshaft sensor is part of the 'ignition timing' system and works in conjunction with the ignition packs (or coil). The camshaft sensor is a common item to fail. However, before you rush off and buy a new one, be aware that there are other sensors on the Volvo. And Volvo parts aren't cheap. There's a crankshaft sensor and cold start sensor too ... Best bet is to get a mobile mechanic who has the necessary electronic equipment to connect to the car's ecu (computer). This will usually give an error code which indicates what unit is faulty. You can always change the parts yourself. Don't be tempted to change one part after another in the hope that the car will start. It'll work out more expensive in the long run. Pay to get it checked professionally and do the work yourself.

I HAVE A 1997 VOLVO 850 IT WAS RUNNING HOT FOR 2 DAYS AND NOW IT WNT START AT ALL COULD THIS BE MY THERMOSTAT

Hmmm...
Changing a headlamp on an 850 is so simple I almost thought you were joking... Pop the hood, and behind the lights you'll see a round cap that you can twist to remove, giving you access to the bulbs. The bulbs themselves are secured by some small pins that you squeeze in order for them to loosen, as well as the plug with wires that supplies the bulbs with electricity. It's preferable to remove the plug before the pins.

Good luck!