Intermittent starting problem 00 V70 XC Turbo

Hohenstauffen · Post by **Hohenstauffen** » 28 Mar 2009, 13:17

Car has 112 K; Dealer maintained [until I inherited it] Sometimes it starts fine; other times it cranks normally but won't start. I've tried reversing the key; giving a tap on accelerator; After numerous attempts, it will always start, but something is wrong. Repair records indicate this is an old problem; Throttle module replaced and upgraded software for electronic throttle at 49K; upgraded again at 75K; new immobilizer antenna ring 85K. I'd appreciate any suggestions. I have limited mechanical skill, but will struggle.

Post by **VCA** » 28 Mar 2009, 15:21

Hohenstauffen wrote:Car has 112 K; Dealer maintained [until I inherited it] Sometimes it starts fine; other times it cranks normally but won't start. I've tried reversing the key; giving a tap on accelerator; After numerous attempts, it will always start, but something is wrong. Repair records indicate this is an old problem; Throttle module replaced and upgraded software for electronic throttle at 49K; upgraded again at 75K; new immobilizer antenna ring 85K. I'd appreciate any suggestions. I have limited mechanical skill, but will struggle.

When it doesn't start, does the RPM gauge move at all when cranking? It's probably not the immobilizer--classical symptoms on these cars for immobilizer is an engine that starts and dies within 2 seconds.

auRum98 · Post by **auRum98** » 28 Mar 2009, 15:38

I had the same problem on an 850 I bought.......I checked the spark plugs and found that the previous owner had installed Bosch platinum plugs. Our Volvos disagree with these. Changed to standard NGKs - problem solved.

Post by **VCA** » 28 Mar 2009, 17:47

auRum98 wrote:I had the same problem on an 850 I bought.......I checked the spark plugs and found that the previous owner had installed Bosch platinum plugs. Our Volvos disagree with these. Changed to standard NGKs - problem solved.

I like that idea...it might just be plugs. I was thinking RPM sensor or camshaft position sensor...if the sensor were out of spec, it's possible that the car would have the problem a long time without ever posting a code or going totally no-start.

Hohenstauffen · Post by **Hohenstauffen** » 28 Mar 2009, 20:35

I can check the plugs in the morning, but new plugs were installed by the dealer at 90K service, so I'm assuming they were the correct plugs. BTW, car has started perfectly since I told on it.
I thought maybe the fuel filter was contributing to the problem and noticed that Volvo doesn't recommend a new fuel filter until 105K, so this is overdue [112K]. When I looked to replace the fuel filter I can't find one. There is what looks like a new metal connector installed where I think the fuel filter should be, but I don't see where it was held in place, nor how I can fit a new one in place of this connector because of how the hoses are held in place. I had a horrendous fuel leak about 3 weeks ago and had it repaired at a local garage. I will ask them about this Mon., but doesn't there have be a fuel filter on the car? [I was looking in the passenger side of the engine compartment.]
Thanks so much for your consideration. I need to keep this car running for a long time. It was given to me by my best friend who knows my struggle to help 2 sons with college and provide another vehicle for them to use. What a friend, eh?
Hohenstauffen

auRum98 · Post by **auRum98** » 29 Mar 2009, 07:02

Your fuel filter should be located above the rear axle on the passenger side. It is a bit of a pain to replace. It helps to remove the fuel pump access cover from the spare tire area and then you can get to it from the top and bottom. Also, if you go to the maintenance section of volvospeed.com, aka bay 13, there is a good section on fuel filter replacement that has pics and info for both FWD and AWD. Hope this helps.

Hohenstauffen · Post by **Hohenstauffen** » 29 Mar 2009, 15:27

Thanks, I'll take another shot at it during half-time.
Bay 13 site stated that they change fuel filters every 50K and showed a pic of the gunk that came out of one with only 50K on it, so mine at 112K is probably loaded. I wonder if this is making the fuel pump work harder? I can easily hear mine turn on before starting the car.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Mar 2009, 18:37

Pretty normal to hear it...if you don't, then something is up...but I never change mine at 50K...it's usually 100k and that's preventative. Still worth a check.

Hohenstauffen · Post by **Hohenstauffen** » 29 Mar 2009, 18:50

Finding the filter was easier than I expected; thanks to the help. I'm a little nervous about the fittings since they just slip on, but there weren't any leaks after starting the car and a brief test drive. I'll see if this has a positive impact upon the starting problem. Appreciate the helpful comments. I'm relaxing more about being able to afford this car.

Hohenstauffen · Post by **Hohenstauffen** » 01 Apr 2009, 19:00

Update:
Changed the filter fairly easily with the above advice and Bay 13 pics. Car started perfectly perhaps the next 10 times; then hesitated once yesterday. Started fine maybe 5 or 6 times; failed one more time. I can live with this, but it's still puzzling. I do love this car; extremely confortable; turbo is great when needed. Only getting 19.7 MPG overall. Car still smells new.
Don