ALL CAPS BECAUSE I CARE: COLD WEATHER & STARTING ISSUES

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Nov 2008, 16:37

We've had a slew of cold weather related non-start or dying issues posted recently...if your lights on your dash are doing strange things and/or it takes a long time to crank suspect your battery. It might register the right voltage but might not have enough cranking amps left. The other issue is the fuel pump. If you suspect this is the issue, check your fuel pump relay first...you can pull it and jump it with a wire to see if it is the problem or the fuel pump. Here is a write-up on how to jump your relay:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... php?t=9681

Post by **JRL** » 12 Nov 2008, 17:28

Possible...
But the most probable is the B cable, the alternator and the (condition of) battery.
These parts are becoming OLD and need to be refreshed and gone thru.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Nov 2008, 19:37

Thanks for your post...this thread is to keep the cold winter no-start issue at the forefront along with possible causes and cures.

bfrancese · Post by **bfrancese** » 30 Nov 2008, 14:51

well i've had a cold weather issue. i guess anyways. just got back from a 4 day vacation and my 94' 850 Wagon refuses to start. The clock on the interior dash is not even on (it usually displays at all times).

The battery is less than a year old (bought in May of 08') so I'm guessing its a larger problem. I tried giving it a jump. I let the working jumped car (Honda Fit) run for a solid 15 minutes with some good revs, but got nothing from the Volvo.

Just moved and I'm taking it in to a new mechanic tomorrow. Any advice so I have a heads up on what he might or might not tell me would be appreciated.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 30 Nov 2008, 18:55

Try the stuff written in this thread...if they don't work then it could be that your charging system (and yes, even your less-than-a-year old battery) could be at fault.

wenwillwego · Post by **wenwillwego** » 02 Dec 2008, 18:32

I just wanted to post that my 850 sedan did have a starting issue after the first really cold night. It seemed to me like it wasn't getting any fuel, but pressing the gas pedal while trying to start didn't help any.
A quick search of "cold won't start" here brought up two or three threads, in all of which a fuel pump relay was the issue. $35 later the little car is up and running again.

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 08 Dec 2008, 16:02

battery and charging system good health is important....and also a 5w40 or 5w50 synth oil....i can get down to -30 celcius below ...with trial and error over time a good syth helps a lot...
with a good battery...(cold cranking amps over 600 ) and of course plugs, wiring and rotor & rotor cap in shape give u very good odds..

)

von_braun · Post by **von_braun** » 15 Dec 2008, 23:11

Ok so far this winter my v70 XC has performed greatly until last week when I didnt have time to let it warm up, it wouldnt go over 5mph, wouldnt rev over 2500 and sounded much quiter than usual. After letting it run for about 20 mins it was fine, ever since then i have to let it run for while before driving, which i do anyways it just kinda scared me. Someone suggested gas line anti-freeze which seemed to do somthing.
Then today, -15 degrees most of the day, start it let it run, go to store, come back, all is good, 2 hours later it wouldnt start, seemed like the battery. So I threw my charger on it for a few hours and its cranking good now just wont start. Fuel delivery problem? I checked the pump relay a few months back and it was fine, check again?

I know the plugs are bad and have been meaning to change the cap, plugs and wires for a while.

Gimpster · Post by **Gimpster** » 17 Dec 2008, 09:38

I agree with volvomileage. Besides battery and cabling issues, its important for people to ENSURE they're running the correct oil in their vehicle.

Lately its been in the -'s here in Iowa pretty regularly, and I recently switched back to 0W-30. I prefer 30 weights, and oil analysis has shown me my car is wearing well with them. Always helps my cranking issues out and keeps the valve clatter down to a minimum in these extreme conditions.

If you're ever bored and wanting to experiment, just set a bottle of 0W, 5W and 10W on the back porch some COLD night and check it morning and be amazed at the difference(s).

I don't know if this is true, but I've always heard fuel filters can tend to collect moisture and freeze in the winter causing hard/no start conditions. Does anyone know if this is true?

calbrit01 · Post by **calbrit01** » 22 Dec 2008, 12:27

Ok, I am thankful i don't have the weather you guys have, but it seems since winter has come and temperatures are down to around the 40's (don't laugh), mine takes a lot longer to start. It starts, but takes probably 7-10 cranks. Once its going it runs fine ( accept the turbo over boost , which I am fixing )
I recall it being the same last winter. It seems to be the same when I go skiing with sub 32 temps.

This is my spec:

Mobil1 10-40W High mileage
K&N filter
Alternator < 12 months
Battery < 12 months
Fuel filter < 12 months
New plugs, leads distributor and rotor.
New CPS.
Silicon vacuum set on order.

I will head over to Kragens to get the battery and charging system checked out, but would be interested to find out if there is anything else that could cause general poor starting.