I have an 04 Xc70 that shakes really hard when you start it up on the first try. Usually it will be unresponsive to the throttle and shudder until it dies; though not always. Sometimes it will sort of recover and come out of it. Anyway, the second time, when you re-start it fires right up and runs like a clock.

I don't know if it's related or not but I'm getting a code for "very small leak" Evaporative Emission. I'm pretty sure that the gas cap is sealing just fine too.

Seems like this car displayed this behavior a few years back and I think the dealer replaced something to do with ignition. Both times the problem slowly evolved into existence.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Arne

 

Bump. Anybody?

 

I don't think anyone wants to touch this one because there are several things that could cause this and not enough info to give you any real help. Maybe if I point out a few things and ask a few questions we can get the ball rolling to get you some help.

When I bought my 02 it was dead on the side of the road and I was told it needed a head gasket and needed to be towed home...I payed to have it towed to my house but had it running with in minutes. Much like your car it would start and idle good but when you step on the throttle it would die. Found it to be the turbo pipe connection to the intercooler, it popped off, so I pushed it back on and started it ran like a champ...Don't think this will be your issue , but it only take a few seconds to check them out. give them all a little wiggle at the connection to assure they are tight, would it be great if this was your problem.

Next I have also seen fuel filters get so bad you can hardly get any fuel out of them, If this is your problem , it makes since only because you say first try it shakes really hard (maybe staving for fuel) hit the gas it dies...then on second try maybe enough gas has passed though by then to restart it and keep it running.

when your car does start is it drivable with out any problems?

 

BTW the code your getting for the Evaporative Emission would be your purge valve located at the front drivers side behind the radiator what code (number please) is it throwing?

 

You didn't state the mileage. But, I would check the Electronic Throttle Body. There is test procedure where a computer can be hooked up to run a test program that moves the throttle through the full range to see how it responds. The ETB might need cleaning or replacing. Install original Volvo spark plugs. It seems like that always helps with problems with idling and starting.