Cold Start

RonD · Post by **RonD** » 02 Feb 2009, 18:42

I have a 2001 S40 turbo with 78k miles. Last week I tried starting the car in the morning, after it was cold outside (cold for Los Angeles). The engine turned over fine, started for a second, and then seem to die from lack of fuel. There was about 1/8 of a tank of gas. Started it again and pressed on the accelerator as it started and it ran, but as soon as I took my foot off of the accelerator it died. Tried starting it a couple of hours later when it was warmer and it started right up. Of course the mechanic couldn't duplicate this as it started up day and night at his shop. Since it only wouldn't start when it was cold, they replaced the thermostat sensor. Took the car home and next day same results. The car was parked on the street at a slight incline. In the PM the car started right up and I parked it in the driveway, which is elevated from the street level and is less subject to frost. Next day it started right up in the morning.

Over the past 6 months I've replaced the MAF and IACV. Last year I replaced the fuel pressure regulator. Two years and 25k miles ago, I replaced the fuel filter and the plugs.

The mechanic and I are both at a loss. I'm hoping it's not the fuel pump but it does start up normal at all other times. Any suggestions?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Feb 2009, 20:09

Ask your mechanic to check the fuel pump relay. These are often temperature sensitive and can begin wearing out with the age of the car. On the S/V70 models and 850's you can take the relay apart and resolder the joints, changing out a few of the components and rebuild them but I'm not sure about your car. You can also jumper 2 of the sockets for the relay and get the car's fuel pump to run. Once again, not sure which ones this would be for your car...anyway get him to check the relay.

RonD · Post by **RonD** » 03 Feb 2009, 10:15

Thanks for the suggestion. The mechanic is ordering the relay. I'll let you know how it turns out.