2001 V70XC cranks, won't start.

Dracul · Post by **Dracul** » 13 Sep 2018, 13:37

Hello,

My 2001 V70XC has a problem where it cranks, but won't start. When I turn the key enough to power on the electronics and gauges, I get a Check Engine light and a low fuel light (the gauge pointer isn't all the way down in the red zone). I ordered a OBDII reader for my Android, and the Torque app shows this:

It only shows this, the app doesn't say any other error codes or anything else. I'm not too knowledgeable about cars, so I don't what can be causing this? Is it really a low fuel problem that can be solved just by putting more gas into it? Or is there something else wrong here I need to fix. It says something about temp, but its summer now, and while it might be cooler than normal due to rain we've been getting in MD, it hasn't dropped as low as it does in the winter, when this car acted perfectly fine.

Before getting the OBDII reader, I tried to switch around the Fuel Injection Relay with Floodlight Relay to check and see if that was problem, like I've all over the place, and the Floodlight Relay didn't work in the Fuel Injection Spot (not sure if thats supposed to work, but that is the only info I've found pertaining to my specific model).

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Post by **prwood** » 13 Sep 2018, 14:12

This is a dumb question, but I'm assuming that based on your past experience, you normally would expect the car to start when the gas gauge is at this level? Also, does the crank sound good and strong, or is it slowing down? It certainly sounds like it could be a lack of fuel, which can be caused by all sorts of things. You might want to check the fuel pump fuse to cover one of the really simple bases.

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Regarding the message on your app, the fuel system message you're seeing there is not too unusual. The fuel system can operate in two modes - open loop, where it's delivering a steady stream of fuel with no change and no input from any sensors; and closed loop, where it's taking readings from oxygen sensors and adjusting the stream of fuel based on how much unburned oxygen it sees. In order to get these readings, the sensor needs to be heated up, usually with its own built-in heating element. What you're seeing about temperature just means the sensor hasn't heated up enough yet to provide an O2 reading to the computer, and so the engine is operating in open loop mode. If there was no signal at all from the O2 sensor then you'd definitely get an OBDII code for that.

Dracul · Post by **Dracul** » 13 Sep 2018, 14:23

Yeah, there has been times in the past where it would start with the low-fuel light on, but truthfully, I've only done that maybe once or twice in the past, and I don't remember where the needle on the gauge was. So, I can't say I'm in the exact same situation.

The cranking sounds normal, and I cranked it at ten seconds. I don't know what "strong" or "weak" cranking is supposed to sound like, but it does sound normal and it doesn't waver or change if I keep cranking for a few seconds.

So, should I just walk over to an auto parts store and pick up a gallon or so fuel can/bottle and just fill that at a gas station? Sorry for my ignorance, but I thought that is illegal in some states. Of course, after checking the fuel pump fuse.

Post by **prwood** » 13 Sep 2018, 14:30

I think it's legal as long as you're using an "approved" container. I'm assuming most auto parts stores would sell "approved" ones. In fact I've seen many gas stations sell small gas cans. It wouldn't cost much to try adding a couple of gallons and see if it starts.

A "strong" crank to me usually sounds like the engine is revving at least 3-4 times per second. A weak one might sound slower, maybe 1-2 revs per second. Usually means the battery is running low.

Dracul · Post by **Dracul** » 13 Sep 2018, 14:36

Okay, I just tried it after I replaced the fuse (even though it looked it fine), and that didn't change. However, its definitely a strong crank by that definition.

Alright, tomorrow morning I'll walk over to an auto parts store and pick up one, and see how that goes. That's good to hear, I wasn't going to pump gas into a water bottle or an empty milk container or anything like that, haha. Thanks.

Dracul · Post by **Dracul** » 14 Sep 2018, 09:20

I'm back, and it worked! Just filling it up a bit got it running again, and I turned it off and back on a few times and it worked like should every time. I just assumed the worst when it didn't start, haha.

Hope this helps someone else in the future, but hopefully people don't make such a bonehead mistake like this...

Post by **prwood** » 14 Sep 2018, 09:25

It can take a surprisingly small amount of gas to make a difference between starting and not starting. Even something like parking on a hill with a low tank of gas can make it so fuel can't reach the engine.