Volvo Repair: VOLVO 740 wagon 1989, flash flash flash, example 121

Question
Engine Light came on two weeks ago and car is acting like the fuel filter is plugged or something.
Push throttle down and car goes for random amount of miles before suddenly cutting out as if the car is out of gas.

Please advise and thank you.

PS- During these bouts of imperfection if you keep the throttle down (not all the way to the floor) just half way down, tachometer will go up and down until car goes back to "normal" operating mode.  

Answer
there are many thngs that can cause this type problem.first I would check the codes in the fuel and ignition systems. below is how to do so.



in the engine bay on the drivers side near the strut tower there is a small black box with a wire attached to it.place the wire in the terminal marked 2.turn ignition key on (not started)press the small button for 1 second and the code will be displayed as a series of flashes.a red led displays the codes.the code will be three digits.small pause in between flashes for a single number long pause between flashes for the next number.example 121 will be flash.....flash..flash.....flash.repeat three times or until first code repeats itself.to erase the code after all codes have been checked hold the button for a good 5 seconds then release the light should light steady,then press for another 5seconds.this will erase the codes.  email me the codes and i will tell you what they are..socket 2is the fuel system 6 is ignition.