Volvo S80 2.9 N/A Manual Trans(1999) Flat performance.... :(

mkallan · Post by **mkallan** » 04 Sep 2009, 14:37

I have had this car for about a month now. It's the typical 'dream' find.... 73k on the clock, one owner from new, full service history and in a fine general condition throughout. I upgraded from a 850 2.5 20v Automatic which I have to say would leave the S80 for DEAD! I'm assuming that the S80 is poorly as on paper it should be a pretty serious performer. Firstly is this all in my head, are they numb? Secondly it feels like it's holding back and it feels like it's stuttering during hard acceleration. It's almost like it has no torque available. For example on a motorway at 70mph in 5th gear if you get your lead foot out and floor it nothing happens, well it accelerates at a snail pace. Oddly though if you have cruise on and use the button on the steering wheel you can feel the car wanting to go... how strange. There are no warning lights on, the engine idles in a silky smooth fashion and there are not DTC's or pending DTC's either. The Last service had a timing belt replaced..... I'm wondering if they set up the VVT on the Inlet Cam properly. It performs well in all other ways and will rev upto the redline but as I say it's holding back on me and feels numb which seems to spoil the whole driving experience somewhat.... Any idea's would be greatly appreciated.

mkallan · Post by **mkallan** » 10 Oct 2009, 19:03

Any idea's guys?? I have since changed all the plugs, fuel filter, cleaned out the etm, cleaned out the vvt solenoid, tried a new mas sensor and preyed to several gods for devine help! Does anyone know if this engine will run if the timing's slightly out by a tooth? I also get a P0300 error on the odd occasion..... and fuel economy is down to about 21.4mpg..... ARRGH!!! I'm only a young volvo driver but i'm gonna be bald soon, taring my hair out with this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jbrown122 · Post by **jbrown122** » 15 Oct 2009, 14:41

Have you checked for a bad O2 sensor? They can reduce performance, and bring gas mileage wayy down.

wusup2u · Post by **wusup2u** » 17 Dec 2010, 21:23

I have this same problem. No codes come up, no lights are on, and Volvo has know idea what's wrong. I have to literally floor it to get it to excelerate quickly. And even then its not quick. I've had all the O2 sensors replaced and the transmission rebuilt and neither have made a difference.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 20 Dec 2010, 07:55

No other codes huh? Pull the plugs out and read them. What plugs are they and what are they gapped to? I guess it could be a timing issue, but this would throw either a cam solenoid code or a cam\crank relationship code.

Its got to be either ignition or fuel delivery. Might be worth a try to run a can of B12 chemtool through the gas tank. Change the fuel filter too? Ideally get the fuel pressure checked out.

wusup2u · Post by **wusup2u** » 20 Dec 2010, 10:38

I don't think there is a problem with the engine. Mine runs great! No puttering or anything. I think there is a problem with the communication between the gas pedal and the engine or something. The car feels like it just has no horsepower but the engine runs perfectly! Its very strange.

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 20 Dec 2010, 10:54

I thought you said it was throwing a misfire code? You can diagnose the throttle pedal position with generic OBD, ie you dont need VADIS. If you floor it (doesnt need to be driving/running) and it doesnt report 100% then the pot on the pedal is probably hosed. I would expect any garage worth its salt to check this though, its pretty rudementary.

/edit OK so two of you are posting a similar issue. I wouldn't rule out an "engine problem" simply because it runs smoothly and has no codes. Get the throttle pedal checked out and go from there.