A problem with a 2002 S40

shawnsvolvo · Post by **shawnsvolvo** » 14 Apr 2009, 18:31

A problem with a 2002 S40, mileage 130,000 +/-

This happened in one outing within about an hours time.

The car wouldn't start. Finally started after 3 attempts. (It was like it wasn't getting enough gas.) Then, while stopped at a light, it unexpectedly throtttled up and lunged forward, not bad but if I had not been paying attention I would have hit the person in front of me. It did this a couple of times on the way home.

Got home and left it idleing in the driveway and noticed it periodically did the same "throttle up" thing but then shortly went back down to normal. Parked it in the garage.

Went back later to move the car. Check engine light came on for the first time. Cut the car off. The radiator fan wouldn't quit running. I pulled the fuse to get it to quit.

Left car in garage and found this website.

Anyone want to take a guess as to what's going on here?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 14 Apr 2009, 21:46

Welcome to MVS.
Interesting that the fan kept running.
I would gander to bet that it's your engine temperature sensor which is located at the base of your thermostat housing. When this goes bad, the car doesn't know if it's cold or hot and strange things like you describe happen. Anyway, since your check engine light came on, go to AutoZone or PetBoys and have your trouble codes read through your OBD-II port and report the codes back- we'll help you from there. If it's your temperature sensor, it's best to go ahead and replace the thermostat too for preventative reasons (you'll be in there anyway). You can buy the parts you need from www.fcpgroton.com at a substantial discount over the dealer.
Good luck and let us know what you find.

shawnsvolvo · Post by **shawnsvolvo** » 15 Apr 2009, 06:30

Thank-you for the reply. How would this relate to the not starting and the idleing-up and lunging forward problem.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Apr 2009, 19:19

I don't know- just know that when the ECT (engine coolant temp) sensor is bad strange things happen. i would have said ETM but your car doesn't have one. Best think is to get your codes read to make sure.

shawnsvolvo · Post by **shawnsvolvo** » 16 Apr 2009, 08:13

Thanks for the information!

That is exactly what the problem was! Since I'm mechanically challenged, the problem is being addressed by someone more capable.

I will add this website to my favotrites for future use!!!

THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

Post by **matthew1** » 16 Apr 2009, 15:10

shawnsvolvo wrote:That is exactly what the problem was!

Nice, MIJ!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 16 Apr 2009, 16:40

Sometimes you goes with your gut and sometimes you'se right