1999 S80-T6 Engine Stalled & Christmas Tree Lights

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 16 Oct 2013, 18:49

I've had the car for 10 days now. Before driving it more than 2 blocks, I replaced the alternator and did an oil/filter change. In the past 3 days I did a complete transmission flush, filter replacement and refill with Gastrol ATF Dex VI (blend). Everything is feeling great!

While coming home from a drive today the steering lost ASSIST, the engine died and the lights lit up. I stopped, looked, and restarted. No CEL, no codes...like nothing happened. I have no idea what to look for or even what to ask.

And suggestions?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 16 Oct 2013, 19:29

SimLyons wrote:I've had the car for 10 days now. Before driving it more than 2 blocks, I replaced the alternator and did an oil/filter change. In the past 3 days I did a complete transmission flush, filter replacement and refill with Gastrol ATF Dex VI (blend). Everything is feeling great!

While coming home from a drive today the steering lost ASSIST, the engine died and the lights lit up. I stopped, looked, and restarted. No CEL, no codes...like nothing happened. I have no idea what to look for or even what to ask.

And suggestions?

**

Do you get the Christmas lights when you try to start in P and N? If so it maybe the PNP is acting up. Row it a bunch of times and see if you can get it started in either P or N.

Blessings,

BKM

**

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 16 Oct 2013, 20:32

The first I noticed was the PS failing and when I looked at the dash everything was lit up. Probably simultaneously. It stayed lit until I shut off at the curb and turned the ignition off, in Park. I was able to restart right away (in P). IF it happenes again, what do you recommend I do first? The "rowing"?

Thanks!

Sim

Post by **jimmy57** » 16 Oct 2013, 21:41

Forget the gear range sensor. This is a GM gearbox with that part inside and they don't fail.
Gear range sensors don't make engine die. Did it go dead while you had throttle applied or when you lifted and it returned to idle?
The power steering didn't fail, the engine died and you lost the power steering pump function with no running engine.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 16 Oct 2013, 22:33

That is exactly what seems to have happened, Jimmy. And the few times I've driven this car the one big difference I've noticed from my 850-Rs and V-70-Rs is that when I let off the gas while driving anywhere in any gear (as was the case when it died this afternoon) the RPMs just drop. Way down.

So you seem to have nailed it. Answer? Raise the idle? (it seems normal under normal start conditions)

Post by **MoVolvos** » 16 Oct 2013, 23:08

jimmy57 wrote:Forget the gear range sensor. This is a GM gearbox...

**

Been on the board too much lately. Wrong car wrong box! Thanks.

Blessings,

BKM

**

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 17 Oct 2013, 16:38

Still looking for relevent suggestions. It didn't die today, but when I left the house this morning (frosty outside) it jerked and bucked a bit and took several blocks to settle down. No CELs.

Post by **jimmy57** » 17 Oct 2013, 18:11

I just serviced the crankcase breather system and cleaned the throttle on the 99 T6 I have and it fixed the dropping idle/stalling at idle problem. I anticipated a new throttle but the cleaning has made it trouble free for 600 miles since that was done.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 17 Oct 2013, 18:36

Thanks, Jimmy! Sounds like good information that I can put to use.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 20 Oct 2013, 20:19

Today I pulled the ETM and was surprised at the amount of black crud build-up. More than the photos in the write-up. I cleaned it thoroughly, replaced the gasaket and put it all back together. I did the MAF yesterday and replaced several hoses and all of the single use hose clamps. I took my time putting it back together and tightened up a few clamps that seemed loose.

When I drove the car it was absolutely like a new engine, responding exactly as designed. No jerks, stalls, hesitations. I was a little skeptical that this cleaning would accomplish so much. It did!

Thanks for the write-up and photos!