2003 s40 hard to start when cold

Dthurman · Post by **Dthurman** » 04 Dec 2013, 05:41

My S40 needs to crank 2 or three times to start if it has been sitting for a while.
Cold start as in "not running temp" we live in Florida so it never gets really cold.
The thermostat was recently replaced and I have heard that the ECT is a common problem.
This looks fairly easy to replace. I get a strong gas smell when it does kick over.
Am I heading down the right path ??

Thanks
Dave

Dthurman · Post by **Dthurman** » 04 Dec 2013, 07:32

Well !!! I tried unplugging the ect to see whether I would get the same symptoms.
Starting was the same but the fan ran constantly (not an original symptom) and it looks as if it has been recently replaced.
It is tough to troubleshoot because I need to wait for a while to see if the problem remains.
after the first time it will turn right over and run fine.

it is throwing a check engine light and it will not allow me to clear it. I am assuming that means the error occurs as soon as I turn it over. Going to read the code now.

def420 · Post by **def420** » 05 Dec 2013, 03:25

Maybe a fuel pressure regulator issue ??