2001 Volvo S60 Runs like shit when 1st starts up

patrickgenebates · Post by **patrickgenebates** » 10 Apr 2009, 08:36

My 2001 Volvo S60 T5 runs like shit when I first try to take off, it sputters, low grumbles, kinda jumpy, then after about 10 to 20 seconds its fine and takes off and runs fine. It only does it when the car hasn't be run in a couple of hours. I had just replaced the spark plugs thinking that it might cure the problem, it did help the over-all performance, but it still sputters and misses/messes up when I start it when it hasn't been driven in a couple of hours. After the sputtering and all that shit, it runs fine. So do you have an idea of what the problem could be?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Apr 2009, 10:14

Welcome to MVS.
Just wondering what plugs you put in and what gap you used?
Our cars hate Platinum plugs, so that could be the issue...also on a '01 S60, I believe the gap is suppose to be 0.028-0.030 inches. Verify both against your owner's manual.

patrickgenebates · Post by **patrickgenebates** » 13 Apr 2009, 11:37

MadeInJapan wrote:Welcome to MVS.
Just wondering what plugs you put in and what gap you used?
Our cars hate Platinum plugs, so that could be the issue...also on a '01 S60, I believe the gap is suppose to be 0.028-0.030 inches. Verify both against your owner's manual.

Well as I said before,,, it had the problem before i had the plugs changed, So obviously the plugs wouldn't be causing the problem. Yes they are platinum, and they came with the gap set, the car runs 10 times better with the new plugs, just not when I 1st Start it up and try to take off. I have talked to two different mechanics and both are pretty sure it the E.G.R. Valve. But thank you for trying to help.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Apr 2009, 17:01

First of all, start-up with Platinum plugs- you'll get the symptoms you mention after awhile (so it doesn't take fresh plugs to cause what you describe)- These are just not good plugs for Volvo's in general. Secondly, never trust pre-gapped- almost always one or more plugs are wrong. Thirdly- your car does not have an EGR system although it does have a PCV system which could be causing excessive crankcase pressure in your engine but shouldn't cause a hard start condition. It is up to you to listen to advice given here (or not)- It is offered freely but with experience backing it.

mehal · Post by **mehal** » 16 Apr 2009, 16:41

Ive been havin similar problems with my 2001 s60 t5,very eratic,some weeks ago i changed the o2 sensor(front) and mass flow sensor but still the problem occurred after a few days again,but from reading some comments regarding the problems with the electronic trottle module (magnet marelli)and the positive results from cleaning the bore ,to assist the ECM in controlling fuel and performance,i did same,which wasnt that hard to do,removal of intake to ETM(two jubilee clips) and four 10mm bolts.My car is running very smooth now and hopefully will pass the national car test which is due on it next month,hope this is of help!

iselloil · Post by **iselloil** » 21 Apr 2009, 13:52

Pre gapped means there wrong.Check the manual for correct gap, and check the plug.Mine were Off, way off.