Occasional engine start problem.

bluezero000 · Post by **bluezero000** » 29 Nov 2004, 11:39

Hello everyone. I just bought a 96 Volvo 850 GLT. I have replaced top engine mount and instrument cluster bulbs based on info/links here. This Web site rocks.

Here comes my question. Sometimes after not using the car for two days or more, I have trouble starting the car. When I turn the ignition key to the starting position, almost nothing happens: there's no sound from the starter but the ABS light turns on. It will eventually start, though. Is there something wrong with the ignition switch or the starter? Should I press the gas pedal a few times to pump some gas to the starter when the problem occurs again?

Thanks.

Post by **matthew1** » 29 Nov 2004, 13:55

This Web site rocks.

Thank you

, and welcome.

So you turn the key to Start and... nothing, just lights?

Then you release, and turn it back to Start, and it starts?

bluezero000 · Post by **bluezero000** » 29 Nov 2004, 17:00

Yes, when I turn the key to Start, there's nothing (no engine/starter sound whatsoever) but lights and radio/CD all work. Then, I just turn off all the lights/radio/CD, turn the key to Off, take it out, and try again. I also step on gas three times but not sure whether it helps. It eventually starts after 7 or 8 tries but not after any particular thing that I do other than turning the key to Start.

It just seems that 2-day-without-driving is the threshold for this problem to happen...

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 29 Nov 2004, 17:46

Fuel pump would be my guess.

bluezero000 · Post by **bluezero000** » 08 Dec 2004, 05:26

It turns out that if I don't step on gas but just hold the key in Start position for 5 seconds, the engine starts, too. Is it normal? The Owner's Manual actually says: allow the starter to operate for 5-10 seconds (turbo: 10 seconds). My 5 seconds are quiet, though.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 08 Dec 2004, 17:41

With any fuel injected engine you should not press the gas. The injector pump, injectors, and computer work togeter to give the correct amount of fuel without pressing the gas pedal.

If your car needs the pedal pressed to start then you have the beginings of a problem that can escalate into something more serious.

bluezero000 · Post by **bluezero000** » 09 Dec 2004, 08:06

My mechanic says the starter is becoming bad. The starter also causes the 2-second sucking/choking sound (described in another post of mine) after the engine starts, because it doesn't disengage from the gear immediately after the engine starts.