1998 s70 Mushy/Soft start, when car is left to sit

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 26 Apr 2015, 15:25

I'm not using the S70 as frequently but if the car is left for any period, such as 3-4 days, when I attempt to start the car, the start is very soft and a mushy feel to the ignition, while the idle hits 2-300 rpm, struggles, before climbing to 1000rpm, then sits at 800rpm (as it should).

Seconds later, if I then turn off the ignition and start the car, everything is perfect, fries up as it should and rpm straight to 800rpm.

Any idea of what could be causing this issue?

Post by **misha** » 26 Apr 2015, 16:03

I guess that battery is close to empty because the car is not driven frequently.After you start it and run for a while,battery gets a little of charge and that's why it starts normally afterwards.

These cars are known to eat batteries if not driven frequently.

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 26 Apr 2015, 16:12

misha wrote:I guess that battery is close to empty because the car is not driven frequently.After you start it and run for a while,battery gets a little of charge and that's why it starts normally afterwards.

These cars are known to eat batteries if not driven frequently.

Misha, maybe I didn't explain properly but when I start the car seconds later, I mean literally 2 seconds after the mushy/soft start.

I guess it could be the battery but seems strange that the problem goes away if I turn the engine off (without running car) and fire it up within a couple of seconds.

Post by **misha** » 26 Apr 2015, 16:28

I understand what you are saying.The only logical explanation is that.Do you have check engine light(lambda light) on?

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 26 Apr 2015, 16:34

misha wrote:I understand what you are saying.The only logical explanation is that.Do you have check engine light(lambda light) on?

No,nothing! just me sitting there wondering if it will start!

I was wondering if there are any parts which can cause issues if moisture/dirt etc builds up? or if its associated with the starter motor?

Post by **misha** » 26 Apr 2015, 17:00

It's the battery...guaranteed.
Next time when the car sits for a few days...before you start the engine,open the hood,get a digital multimeter and check the battery voltage between terminals.
12.7v 100% charged
12.2v 50% charged
11.9v discharged (it will not even crank at this voltage)

Also try to prime the fuel pump a bit before starting.Turning the key from position I to position II about three times,one after another,will prime the fuel pump.On third prime start the car.If the struggle you have disappears...that's just because of sitting for a few days.

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 26 Apr 2015, 17:15

Thanks for the advice Misha. I did recently invest in a battery charger so could use that to give it a proper charge but will update with the outcome as I'm sure I have a digital multimeter somewhere!

Post by **hausmeister** » 27 Apr 2015, 05:30

What is a mushy soft feel?
Is the engine sputtering and missing some cylinders?

JRev · Post by **JRev** » 27 Apr 2015, 16:47

hausmeister wrote:What is a mushy soft feel?
Is the engine sputtering and missing some cylinders?

Don't worry mate, its now hard and fast

.....done as misha suggested and primed the fuel pump and start was back to how it used to be when the car was used every day.

Post by **misha** » 27 Apr 2015, 17:35

I told you that i knew what you were talking about.