2007 S40 starting issue urgent help needed

Martin Scott · Post by **Martin Scott** » 27 Oct 2011, 17:47

Hi peeps,
First of all im new here so appologies if i have posted in the wrong area..
Im proud new owner of a 2007 s40 1.6 s- 69k fsh which I love. Since the weekend the car seems to have developed an issue at start up. On ocassion the engine will fail to kick in when the egnition is turned. All that is produced is a high pitch noise which to me sounds like a drill. Is this the starter motor? This is a very random occurance but is almost garunteed to happen when the engine is cold !? should i wait 60'seconds the engine starts with no problem and kicks beautifuly as normal...!?

Also this evening appeared a warning Message which when read stated- Bulb Failure sure enough its passanger side headlight

Could all of this be a result using a jet wash on the car at the weekend?! Getting the feeling I may have shorted something?!

Really worried,

A friend in need..

Marty

Post by **Juan62** » 28 Oct 2011, 07:29

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site;

Is the engine completely dry from the jet washer? I would check the coil packs (remove the top engine cover) and make sure no moisture exists. If your car still fails to start on first attemps (when cold), I would have my battery and starter checked first. As for the headlight bulb, it happens. Simply replace with new ones, but check the wiring connections for tears/cuts/shorts/corrosions, etc,. Since your engine is washed, the next time try using an air compressor to blow the dirt/dust away. Then a cleaner which dissolves dirt/dust and shines on contact.

Martin Scott · Post by **Martin Scott** » 28 Oct 2011, 12:06

Hi Juan and thanks for your help.
Firstly the bulb was very easy to replace mate. You are right that it had no implication on any other electrics as i thought
it may have been related turns out the timing was just coinsidence. Also the car was was washed externaly. The engine bay was not deliberatley washed..,However it was my impression I may have soaked the bay when cleaning as the dirt was stuborn.
Strange thing the problem is occuring when engine is hot and cold. I will check what you have stated .
What i have notice unlike my previous car ( golf gti) there is no plastic sheild or undercover protecting the underneath of the enginebay. is this common?

Any more imput would be very gratefull. P.s the vec was serviced around 2k past so was running very smooth

cheers

Post by **Choguy03** » 28 Oct 2011, 12:18

The starter 'issue' is weird. I wouldn't think that you have a bad starter, but then again, stranger things have happened. When you turn the key, is the engine turning over or do you just hear that drill sound? That 'drill' sound is probably just you fuel pump turning on. When you start the engine, the starter extends to engage the flywheel and start, but maybe the motor is just working and the starter is not engaging the flywheel. Sorry I am just typing things that come to my head, but keep us posted and we should be able to sort this issue out.