Volvo Repair: Volvo 2000 V70SE random stall when starting, dashboard car, diagnostic fee

Question
The car starts most of the time and then idles down and is ready to run.  Either  hot  or cold the car will not start
sometimes though. When the ignition is turned it runs for a couple of seconds, sometimes I can get a surge in rpm with
the accelerator but still stalls. If I then open the air  cleaner housing to allow graeter air flow it will eventually start and run ok.
The air filter is new. The  car has 65000 miles. The throttle body has not been cleaned. It has original
fuel filter which I will replace,I am waiting delivery.
I have been using 87 octane  with ethanol. I have used
injection cleaner and today  fueled with 93 octane.Any thought appreciated.
Terry

Answer
I suspect that if there was a fuel or air issue that the problem would be more consistent.  Most likely what I think is going on is that your immobilizer is have trouble recognizing the keys.  When the immobilizer fails it will be intermittent like you are describing and the vehicle will start and then stall immediately before it idles down.  When this happens though the immobilizer light will be active on the dashboard (car with an X through it).  The only way to see what system is causing the problem is to have the diagnostic computer read off.  Any shop can read the main engine computer however only a Volvo shop can read off the immobilizer and other modules in the car.  I would at least do that before I start spending any money on parts.  That small diagnostic fee would make me feel much better about spending money on parts.

James