I have a 2000 S40 with about 60,000 miles on it. Over the last couple of months, my car has been hesitating when I start it. Usually, it's only when the car has been sitting for a while. It cranks just fine, but has to crank several times before it starts. If it sits for a short time, it starts up right away. I'm leaning towards a fuel problem. It idles fine and it runs fine, so it's getting gas once it's running. I'm leaning towards the fuel regulator. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, is this difficult to fix on my own? How much should I expect to spend on the parts?

 

There was a Volvo bulletin to install a engine speed sensor sheild to help with that problem.

 

Do you know where I can find that bulletin?

 

No I used to have it but don't anymore.

You should be able to just buy the part at the dealer.

It is called a speed sensor sheild.

It comes slid in a bracket.Then you will have to slide the speed sensor out of the bracket on the car.Then install the sheild in the bracket on the car.Then take a small file and file the ridges on the speed sensor and slide it into the sheild and put the screw back in.

 

I've been messing with this issue for more then a month. You answered in 1 day. Thank you for your help. Too bad there isn't a forum like this for the rest of lifes little annoyances. I'll keep you posted on the results. Thanks again.

 

No problem I do what I can to help.

 

I found a site that listed the engine speed sensor as a "crank position sensor". Is this the same thing?

 

NO you keep the same speed sensor but just install the sheild.

I will try to get the part # for you.

 

That's what I meant. Sorry. The Volvo dealer said that they can order the part (#8658492) and it costs $17 and change. They called it a bracket. I'm assuming this is the part I'm looking for.

 

For shipping purposes it is inside the bracket. You slide it out of the bracket and install it in to your bracket.

That should be what you need. I am waiting for an E-mail to confirm the Part #.

 

I picked up the part today. I tried to find the location of the speed sensor in several manuals, but I can't find it. Can you tell me where the speed sensor is located?

 

Look on the top of the transmission where it meets the engine.
You should be able to see it.You need to remove the sensor and then install the sleeve into the bracket already in the car.Then file the grooves that are on the speed sensor then reinstall.

 

I installed the sheild, and the car is still having starting issues. Any other ideas?

 

There are a few things that can cause that. Sounds like it would be something that would operate more normally when the engine is warm. Do you smell fuel from the exhaust when you are trying to start it? I have seen vacuum leaks cause that problem, on my own car as a matter of fact. Check any vacuum lines, are you getting a trouble code, i.e. a check engine light?

Matthew

 

2 other things that are somewhat common are Fuel pump bad and the fuel bleeding back after sitting for a while.

Also could be the Antenna ring around the ignition switch for the immoblizer.

 

There is a smell of gas from the exhaust when I'm trying to start. I haven't run any diagnostics yet. The check engine light isn't on. The service light is, but it goes off after 2 minutes. I think that is just because I didn't re-set it after the last oil change.

How would I tell the difference between a bad fuel pump and the fuel bleeding back?

How do I get at the Antenna ring?

 

To check the fuel pressure you will have to hook up a guage and let it sit over night and see if you loose pressure.

The antenna ring is under the steering column cover.remove the cover and look for something bye the key switch.

 

If the exhaust smells of fuel while attempting to start, wouldn't the best bet be the ignition module (aka-power stage)? I'm only asking because the ignition module is a non-volvo specific problem that's made it's way into my mental automotive repair novel. LOL.

 

If he smells fuel then most likely he is loosing spark if he has no fuel pressure after sitting overnight.