V70 AWD '98 no-start

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 18 Jan 2009, 12:50

Go to start, and all I get is a one-second buzz. Console lights light up fine. Battery seems okay: heater works, radio, wipers, console lights, alarm lights, etc. I have played with the shifter a bit, and one out of twenty times it will start very normally when placed in neutral.
Otherwise, car was driving very normally before, starting and shifting fine, etc.
Can someone suggest steps to diagnose this problem?
Thanks in advance

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Jan 2009, 17:04

The buzz is what I get if the battery is low- not low enough for other electricals but weak enough not to crank...did you try jump starting?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 18 Jan 2009, 17:39

I have played with the shifter a bit, and one out of twenty times it will start very normally when placed in neutral.

A bad PNP switch will cause this problem but the buzz has me mystified unless it is the fuel pump or the fuel pump relay that you are hearing.

...Lee

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 23 Jan 2009, 20:41

I attached a movie of the problem. When the car doesn't start, you can hear a faint buzz for a second. Turn the vol. up loud. Battery seems okay.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 2249&hl=en

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Jan 2009, 22:22

That buzzing is strange, but I really think it's your PNP switch from watching your video. Try rowing your shifter from P down to L and back up a couple dozen times and see if it cleans the contact enough on your PNP to start normally.

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 25 Jan 2009, 16:47

I ran the stick up and down a couple times and no start.
Here is a video which shows the sound better. Is that the fuel pump?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 6832&hl=en

PS: my wife is the exasperated one.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 18:41

Yes, that buzz sounds like the fuel pump...is it coming from the rear of the car (where the fuel pump is)?

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 25 Jan 2009, 20:15

Yes, it's coming from the rear, which I couldn't figure out until I was standing outside of the car. I think the right side.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Jan 2009, 20:54

Yes, fuel pump...it's suppose to make that sound when you turn your key to position II, right before starting your car. Now, to figure out why your car isn't starting. What kind of fuel pressure do you get at the schrader valve at the end of your fuel rail...you can put a gauge in it like you would on a tire to see... have a rag handy...you should get in the lower 40's for psi.

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 26 Jan 2009, 10:11

I think I have to access the shraeder valve through the rear seat floorboards, right? I can remember seeing it when I changed the fuel filter some time ago.

Later edit: Right. Answered my own question. I never checked fuel pressure, so tell me if I did it right - there was only pressure, +40 on the tire gauge, when my helper turned the key.