Stumbling and eventual lose of power at highway speeds

dlundblad · Post by **dlundblad** » 03 Feb 2019, 04:18

She called me up yesterday along a highway saying that her car died. I had her explain what happened and she said the yellow triangular light started blinking and the car started to slow down. Tried giving it more gas; no dice. Once it was parked, it still ran, but sounded bad so she turned it off. I came out with my code reader and a tow strap to at least get off the highway. Started the car and and it was running fine. Code reader didn't show a thing so I am guessing turning it off zeroed everything out. Drove back to the house just fine with no CEL's and codes.

I am guessing we'll just have to drive it until it behaves again and hook the code reader up to it? My first guess was ignition coils because hers are original or possibly the MAF sensor.

Thanks guys.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 03 Feb 2019, 05:16

Can your code reader read pending codes? Some will only read permanent codes. It is possible there is a pending code in there that will give you a clue to what was going on. Pending codes flash the CEL. Permanent codes CEL solid.

dlundblad · Post by **dlundblad** » 03 Feb 2019, 05:17

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑03 Feb 2019, 05:16 Can your code reader read pending codes? Some will only read permanent codes. It is possible there is a pending code in there that will give you a clue to what was going on.

It didn't see a thing. Pending or stored.

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 03 Feb 2019, 06:25

I'd start with cleaning the MAF and making sure all connections (hoses and electrical) are intact with no leaks (hoses).

I'm thinking she went into "limp home mode" and don't believe one bad coil would cause the condition. Highly unlikely multiple coils failed at the same time even though they are pretty old. I'm still running original coils with no problems in my 2001 V70 T5.

I had a similar failure a few years back. Ended up getting a junkyard replacement from a newer Volvo (MAF PN's were compatible).

Good luck.

Post by **abscate** » 03 Feb 2019, 13:59

Complete loss of power points to fuel delivery, like Pump electronic module.

dlundblad · Post by **dlundblad** » 04 Feb 2019, 03:34

abscate wrote: ↑03 Feb 2019, 13:59 Complete loss of power points to fuel delivery, like Pump electronic module.

After talking with her more, it sounded more like the limp home mode.

I think it's the highway speeds down to limp mode that made her think it lost power.

dlundblad · Post by **dlundblad** » 14 Feb 2019, 03:36

I ended up replacing the MAF and coils last weekend. All is good so far.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Feb 2019, 04:14

If you want a trouble free ignition experience, replacing plugs at 30 -60k miles and coils at 120k is a good strategy

For coils, I do this on one my Volvos (hers) and keep one of the old as spares for the others, sell the rest.

dlundblad · Post by **dlundblad** » 14 Feb 2019, 07:58

abscate wrote: ↑14 Feb 2019, 04:14 If you want a trouble free ignition experience, replacing plugs at 30 -60k miles and coils at 120k is a good strategy

For coils, I do this on one my Volvos (hers) and keep one of the old as spares for the others, sell the rest.

Sound advice. I just need to find myself one. Lol.

We’re probably about due for plugs too. About 40k on the current ones.

Any brand recommendations? Running Bosch now. Volvo is about $45 for 5. Ouch.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Feb 2019, 11:56

I like Bosch Coppers but Im a cheap SOB and don't like to leave plugs in for years. 30k for me is about one year on my heavy use car, 2 years on the light use car.

Bosch Copper plugs from FCP are $2 each, although you can buy the Volvo set and never pay again, too. Tempting. The other good part of buying Volvo parts is June won't put you on her ignore list.

Three electode for NA cars

One electrode for Turbo cars

Anyone who uses their warranty on multiple cars is an amoeba and will suffer early transmission failure.