1998 Volvo V70XC won't start at 16 degrees

[rocky_mtn_man]

I don't hear buzzing from the relay, so the problem is probably the clogged PVC. I have the parts for it and will have my mechanic replace the PVC trap, hoses, etc.. and install new Bosch fuel injectors. Fuel Filter too. If the problem persists, I will go to a parts yard that has a compatible XC70 and get the fuel pump relay, along with other parts I need (this car got rolled on its side so I need doors and rear quarter panel with window on the driver's side). Will pull the ABS unit too, as I need to replace and return mine, maybe I'll get lucky and find a working one.

Good idea on trying starting fluid, I'll spray that into the intake while my partner cranks it. Once it's running, I can put it in my garage where I work on cars in this rental complex, and have an oil based radiator style heater to keep it warm in winter. It snowed two days ago, and hasn't gone above 36 degrees since then (14 degrees this morning). Otherwise I will have to have it towed to my mechanic if it doesn't warm up by Thursday (45 expected).

The battery is about four or five years old, might be time to replace it too.

Thanks for the good advice here!

[abscate]

You can do the starter spray by yourself, a3.14159 second shot will sit in the manifold for a few minutes while you go around and try the key.

The fuel relay can fail without any symptoms, jumping it with wire or a paper clip would be a cheap quick diagnostic test

16F is nothing for these cars , they are made for cold weather. No block heaters or garages needed. A five year old battery in cold climates is likely near end of life, statistically

Cold weather for a Volvo is Siberia like Misha ....

[RickHaleParker]

You can do the starter spray by yourself, a 3.14159 second shot will sit in the manifold for a few minutes while you go around and try the key.

Give it two servings of Pie ... never thought of trying to appease it.

I would of done something silly like leave the key on and use the starter test point in the fuse box.

[befarrer]

Batteries loose power as they get colder, that's why cranking amps, and cold cranking amps are different on the same battery, one is at a colder temperature, combined with the need for more amperage to turn over a cold engine.

With that in mind, my 98, started just fine when not plugged in for 10 hours when -30f outside. Had a training course that day, no plugs. Cranked for a second, then fired fight up, cranked a bit slower than summer. Many people ignore a check engine light, but if it's something like a coolant temp sensor, the car will run well at average temps, but when it gets cold, the default value for the sensor causing the check engine light may not run the engine.

[rocky_mtn_man]

It must have been a battery issue (I bought this old Napa battery at a junkyard when getting some parts and tires for the V70, unknown age). Two weeks ago, the battery died and probably shorted a plate to ground, it wouldn't take a charge. I bought a replacement, and it is starting great now. The next time it snows I will leave it outside of my heated garage and see it it starts in cold weather like it should

I had bought a fuel pump relay to shotgun the issue, but didn't install it. Assuming it starts fine, BONUS, I get to return it!

[rocky_mtn_man]

I had the Volvo at my mechanic's shop because I thought I had a transmission issue. I did, the fluid level was low!
They put in fluid and I didn't see the shift up light flashing after that. However, after they charged the battery, it
wouldn't start. They installed my new fuel pump relay and the car started and drove fine after that. A simple fix to a cold start problem.

[scot850]

Well that is great news! Thanks for the update.

Neil.