2002 s40 intermittently won't start, tried everything!

davidtalbert · Post by **davidtalbert** » 11 Aug 2016, 19:57

Fuel pressure seems to be ok. The air filter is fairly new. I can't find bad vacuum hoses or anything else loose.
One thing I failed to mention is that it does loose some coolant slowly. I don't see any obvious leak. I have not done a compression test.
If I did have a small head gasket leak, would it cause this intermittent starting problem? If it starts, it seems to run ok. The main problem is getting it started. Sometimes it starts right up, sometimes it won't start at all and sometimes it will start after cranking several times. Is this model volvo worse than others? I had two earlier and they seemed fairly reliable.

Post by **alschnertz** » 12 Aug 2016, 14:49

What was the fuel pressure?
I wonder where the coolant is going?
Maybe a compression test would be a good idea at this point. A long crank time does seem a little weird. Ours will start after 2-3 turns after the pump has primed. Do you wait and listen to the pump prime after turning the key to KPII before starting?

I don't really think there is anything inherently wrong with a 2002. I can only speak for myself in that our '01, now at 198,000 miles, has been reliable since we've owned it (6yrs and 50,000 miles). There have been maintenance issues that had to be addressed, but that's the same with any car.

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 12 Aug 2016, 17:36

A small head gasket leak could be the cause of the hard starting. Once the engine has cranked over a few times and the coolant has been forced out it would likely then fire up okay.

With the engine cold,say after standing overnight remove the spark plugs and inspect for color difference. Also shine a torch into each cylinder to locate any possible evidence of moisture/coolant on top of each piston.
You may have a leak in the head gasket across 2 cylinders.
The compression test suggested above could be done in conjunction but after checking all cylinders for coolant seepage prior to refitting the plugs and turning the engine over for checking each respective cylinder compression.
I own a 2002 V40 B4204T3 and mine has always started reliably first crank with no problems except when the alternator and battery were amiss.
I have always noted that when starting, one should not touch the accelerator pedal at all. If one does that, it does not start (fire up) for another one or two crank overs. Like the fuel/air mixture then becomes to rich)
If you are habitually giving her some gas pedal when starting it could explain your problem?
Some vehicles seem to need some gas pedal for starting but I learned quickly with my V40 that this was not the case.

A leak down test would also indicate a possible coolant loss somewhere in the system.

davidtalbert · Post by **davidtalbert** » 12 Aug 2016, 21:41

I agree, should not have to touch gas pedal on any fuel injected car, I will try the compression test. I have only owned this car for 6 months and don't know it's history. I could have been overheated.

davidtalbert · Post by **davidtalbert** » 16 Aug 2016, 21:17

I finally gave up and decided to try some head gasket sealer. I used bars leaks professional. So far (2 days) it seems to have made a big difference.
It starts right up. I had cel on, saying cylinder 2 misfire. I cleared that and it hasn't come back yet. I hope this fixed it. There is no way I could afford to replace the head gasket right now. I am curious to see how long this will last.

davidtalbert · Post by **davidtalbert** » 18 Aug 2016, 20:57

Why did everyone stop commenting? Hello...

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 29 Aug 2016, 00:57

Keep us all updated on how things go for now with the Bars Leaks in her.
Only time will indicate if the latest move will last for you.

knownasgriff · Post by **knownasgriff** » 30 Aug 2016, 03:34

I had a similar problem with not starting and intermittent cutout on my 850 (both the 850 and S40 have a white block engine).
Turned out to be the cm position sensor first time and crank position sensor second time...
Sounds like your issue, engine cranks but does not fire. so if the crank position sensor or cam sensor are not sending information the ecu does not think the engine is turning over and so cannot figure out when to fire injectors or spark.

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 31 Aug 2016, 19:08

Yes, but I still am inclined to think it has some bearing to the coolant fluid loss especially since it cold starts that are the issue.

How are things going currently with the Bars leaks in her?

2002 s40 intermittently won't start, tried everything!

Re: 2002 S40 intermittently won't start, tried everything!