Just purchased '02 s40 w/122k - maintenance?

dolphsett · Post by **dolphsett** » 07 Nov 2010, 07:57

Just purchased 2002 S40 with 122,000 miles. Car was apparent repo purchased at local auction and resold on small lot to me in Lexington KY. I was able to speak with previous owner and she said the serpentine belt was recently replaced -- is that the same as timing belt?
She also mentioned the gas tank was ran to empty by her daughter and the gas gauge was acting up as a result. She thought mechanic fixed, but the gauge acted strangely on 100+ miles drive home -- it was on empty when I bought it, I only put 10 gallons in, and it showed a full tank. The gauge dropped quickly during driving, from full to three-quarter in just under 75 miles. Any known problems with gas gauge on this model?
Also, trip computer is giving wacky readings -- ambient temp stays blank. Mileage jumps around -- probably from gas gauge problem?
Car is also difficult to start after driving for awhile -- starts okay when cold. Common problem? Fix?
Since I don't know the past maintenance, any recommendations for what should be looked at now?
Thanks, and my apologies for such a long post. It's my first Volvo -- always loved them and now can own one (barely).
And thanks for this forum. Very informative and well designed.

Post by **billofdurham** » 07 Nov 2010, 15:36

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The serpentine belt is the belt you can see driving the alternator, power steering and air con compressor. The timing belt is hidden from view and, as its name suggests and putting it simply, helps with the timing of the engine. The timing belt and its tensioner should be changed at 105,000 mile intervals. If the timing belt snaps there is a potential for major damage to the engine.

There have been numerous complaints about the fuel gauge on the S/V40s not registering properly and if you do a search on this forum you will find several references to it.

The ambient temperature sensor may have been damaged or just stopped working. Some of the mileage readings are related to the fuel gauge so that could be the cause of the problem.

With regard to the poor starting is the check engine light on?

Bill.

dolphsett · Post by **dolphsett** » 07 Nov 2010, 18:15

Thanks for quick response.

Guess I better have the timing belt and tensioner changed. Thanks for info.

I'll check site for fuel gauge problems.

Check engine light is not on, only service light for short period after startup. Been having to start car like old carb style engine -- pump gas a few times. When it starts -- usually on second try -- it idles rough for a few seconds then levels out.

Gerald52 · Post by **Gerald52** » 04 Dec 2010, 12:00

I would suggest with that much mileage you change out the plugs and coils on the engines. I'd also run a fuel injection cleaner through it and if you can afford the expense also change out the injectors. I would also get or have someone run a OBD-II trouble code tester on the engine to see what codes might be stored there--this would give you a good idea as to some of the problems you need to fix.

dolphsett · Post by **dolphsett** » 05 Dec 2010, 09:11

Just recently had new plugs and wires installed, along with having the timing belt replaced ($520!). I'm now having to replace the fuel pressure regulator -- see my other post where I discovered an answer to installing it!

Hopefully, after I get over the hump with a few needed repairs, I'll have a car that I can drive for another 80K miles or so. I usually don't get excited about cars, but I love this thing. It's quirky, but a nice car.