Hard start XC90 v8

Pretribrapper · Post by **Pretribrapper** » 11 Jul 2019, 15:37

Trying to pinpoint hard start. 2011 with 160k miles. It is intermittent with issues. 50% time car starts normal. 50% turns over once hesitates 2-3 times then starts all within 3-4 seconds. Always starts. Had testing done at Advance Auto. Battery fine, starter fine, alternator fine though when starting vehicle at test issue did not occur. Any ideas? I have same xc90 but 2007 and dont have this problem..
Check engine diagnosis shows nothing also

Pretribrapper · Post by **Pretribrapper** » 11 Jul 2019, 15:53

Pretribrapper wrote: ↑11 Jul 2019, 15:37 Trying to pinpoint hard start. 2011 with 160k miles. It is intermittent with issues. 50% time car starts normal. 50% turns over once hesitates 2-3 times then starts all within 3-4 seconds. Always starts. Had testing done at Advance Auto. Battery fine, starter fine, alternator fine though when starting vehicle at test issue did not occur. Any ideas? I have same xc90 but 2007 and dont have this problem..
Check engine diagnosis shows nothing also

Also once it starts it drives and idles perfect

Post by **ggleavitt** » 11 Jul 2019, 16:43

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=61996 , easy enough to guess it's the starter itself if the battery is good and all the electrical connections are clean and tight.

Another link that might be relevant- https://forums.swedespeed.com/showthrea ... Slow-Start

Pretribrapper · Post by **Pretribrapper** » 11 Jul 2019, 18:07

Thanks much. That does sound like it though I had starter tested and Advance Auto said its good. Could it be that it would only show there are issues when the physically are noticable upon cranking?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 11 Jul 2019, 18:14

The starter could be a little weak, it's a common problem on these V8s. If it's running well otherwise, this is likely your issue. My starter is a little weak at times as well, especially when it's hot, but it always starts.

When they test the starter, they're basically just testing to make sure it functions, which of course it is. I don't know how their test equipment works, but I'd assume if they get any kind of electrical reading from it, your starter is within their specs, even though it's not performing as well as it should.

Pretribrapper · Post by **Pretribrapper** » 11 Jul 2019, 21:25

How soon do I need to replace before it would go out? Also some forums I read say need to drain coolant to change. Is that true?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 12 Jul 2019, 08:16

I believe you need to remove a smaller coolant line or heater hose to access the starter on this engine. You may not need to drain it completely if you have some of those hose clamp-off pliers, but it will certainly help to minimize the mess.

It's probably not too urgent as long as the starter isn't struggling too much, but I couldn't tell you any real timeline. It's best to replace it as soon as you can.

Pretribrapper · Post by **Pretribrapper** » 15 Jul 2019, 12:34

One last question. I have a repair manual for my car that I just got that seems to show the starter being removed from beneath th car. Says to remove the plastic guard beneath the motor then disconnect the starter. Nothing about moving air box or hoses. Not sure if that is an option but wanted to know if anyone heard of that. I will get into it this weekend. Thanks again.

Masscomguru · Post by **Masscomguru** » 15 Jul 2019, 17:35

here is a good write up.

https://andrewpeng.net/cars/2006-volvo- ... eplacement

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 15 Jul 2019, 19:06

That's an alternator writeup. For the starter, I believe it's accessed from above. It's located below the throttle body, I think you need to remove a couple coolant lines and possible the throttle body to access it.