S-70, '98, Starting problem

Colonialgirl · Post by **Colonialgirl** » 02 Dec 2009, 00:30

The other day, I had about 150 pounds in the trunk (boot if you're English) and my S-70 would start and die immediately. I called my partner to come pick up the groceries so the frozen stuff wouldn't melt and called the auto club for a tow. After unloading the groceries, I thought I'd give it another try and it started up and ran normally (I cancelled the tow). Is there anything that a weight right inside the trunk would effect to cause this type of problem?

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 02 Dec 2009, 01:15

How much gas was in the tank and do you have any reason to believe your fuel pump is bad? I really don't think this is the reason but, it's possible that if the gas was low, the added wait caused the tail end of the car to sink down lower than normal; this cobined with a bad fuel pump could theoretically starve the engine of gas thus causing it to die. Like I said I'm just brain storming here. CEL or any codes? Has it been running fine lately?

Colonialgirl · Post by **Colonialgirl** » 02 Dec 2009, 02:31

Had 6 Gallons in the tank, No Codes. I have no reason to suspect the fuel pump of being bad and it hasn't had any problem since. I may get my partner to sit on the bumper and see if that will have the same effect. I did have a new fuel filter installed on it several days before, but again no problems. Can you still get to the top of the fuel tank from inside the trunk like the old 760 GLT's ? I'm too old to crawl under a car anymore.

jamesross530 · Post by **jamesross530** » 02 Dec 2009, 07:18

Well you could open up the hood and try taking the fuel line off, turn the ignition, don't crank it, and gas should start spurting out which would indicate your fuel pump was still working....

Maybe you should try recreating the situation, throw some weight back in the trunk and see if it is still able to start, may have just been something else altogether?

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Dec 2009, 08:56

Honestly I really doubt the weight in the trunk had anything to do with it. You may have a fuel pump RELAY that's going bad and working intermittently, however.

My old Saab would not start after driving and parking somewhere and then work an hour later or so. Of course, by the time help arrived or I gave up and took it to the mechanic it would work fine too and they just looked at me like an idiot.

You could try to re-create the situtation with weight on the back of the car, it's entirely possible I could be wrong. but if it happens again, try taking out the relay and jumpering the leads on the relay and try starting your car.

Colonialgirl · Post by **Colonialgirl** » 10 Dec 2009, 18:20

Okay, now for the "rest of the story";
It did the samething to me again at an intersection just as I pulled out for a left turn; flashers on, pop the hood and get out and check the fuel pump fuse, it's good, close the hood and just then an officer pulls up behind me and is willing to push me out of the intersection, asked him to let me try a start again and "presto" it starts; drove it home and up to my local NAPA mech, the "Check Engine" light is on and stays on. He can't get it to give him a code. SO, I took it to the $$$$Volvo$$$$$ dealer. It turns out to be a bad Mass Air Flow Sensor, $307 for a new unit, they also recommended cleaning the VTBS throttle body, parts $12; total labour charge is $216, plus a Shop supplies etc charge of $40. It starts and runs good now and I've got my fingers crossed.

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 Dec 2009, 18:51

Wow, I woulda never guessed that a MAF would cause weird intermittent problems like that. Usually it works or it doesn't in my experience, or just causes the car to run REALLY bad all the time.

I love how much dealers charge for simple things like that.

Well, here's hoping it's fixed for good!

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 10 Dec 2009, 20:46

First thing that comes to my mind...a loose electrical connection of some sort.