Car starts but has trouble accelerating

[5rivers]

Greetings all,

My '98 Volvo V70 base has been developing problems accelerating after I start it. If I let the car idle for five or so minutes, accelerating is not a problem. But, after starting it, if I put it in drive (or reverse) I have to really push down on the gas pedal, the rpms go up to 3000 or more, and slowly the car will move forward (or backward). The car will coast after this and with slight pressure on the gas pedal, the car will begin to pick up speed. Then after about a mile, I can put regular pressure on the pedal and the car will respond as it should.

I recently (back in August) replaced with fuel pump with a salvage yard replacement. After that it ran fine. But, am wondering where I should look first to begin to solve this acceleration problem. I am thinking its a relay of some kind.

As always, I appreciate any and all suggestions and/or recommendations.

[abscate]

Check your ATF level if you have an automatic. If you are low. The torque converter will take about that time to pump up.

Check your manual for the procedure on checking level. It’s very different than an engine oil dipstick.

[wizechatmgr]

Also note that if the ATF in it isn't synthetic, some of the older technology stuff may act like that until warmed. I found my transmission was happier after I changed the fluid.

[5rivers]

I will check the ATF fluid level and report back. The type of fluid in the car now is not synthetic (yet!).
Thanks for your speedy replies and recommendations!!

[abscate]

You should be shoveling out first this morning, K.

[5rivers]

That's what I thought as well, but so far the accumulation does not require much effort to move. There might be more later in the day, however!

[scot850]

Is your car a turbo automatic trans? Is it particularly cold where you are and has the issue just started since it got cold?

If yes to all the above then it could be your intercooler freezing. When this happens the car will sometimes not move at all until the engine has warmed through enough to defrost the intercooler.

Neil.

[5rivers]

The car has a regular auto transmission, no turbo.
It has been between 6 degrees and 22 degrees F over the last week. Not quite as cold in the week before but still in the 20's. We had one warm day when it reached 48 F!!!
Where might I find this intercooler under the hood?

[scot850]

Non-turbo so no intercooler. So this is not the issue with your car.

Neil.

[abscate]

Bring it down to ALBANY and I’ll fix it while you shovel my snow this am.

That’s real cold country up there , K. Beautiful. People who think NY is all concrete canyons have to hit the North country

My Transporter might be lost until Spring