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So I just bought a 2009 Volvo s40 and have had it for about a month with absolutely no problems. No check engine light, no issues at all. Well last night I was driving through town going about 30mph when my car just loses all power. All my lights still worked but the engine shut off completely. I tried to re-start it and when I turn the key to start it’s almost like the key gets stuck in the ignition and it makes a sound as if it’s going to turn over but it won’t. It’s super hard to explain via messages but someone told me it’s probably the timing belt and I’m just hoping and praying that isn’t the case. Anyone else have anything similar happen or any advice or ideas of what this could be?
Does the engine sound like it is spinning over faster than normal? Has a higher pitch to the normal starting sound? If so that's the sound of no compression - probably caused by bent valves.
You can check easily the timing belt removing 2 torx bolts and see the timing belt condition. It should not be loose. There is other way to check the specific timing belt position, but it will be neccessary take out more pieces.
I hope not a big problem with your car, some years ago I was driving in the highway when suddenly the engine just stopped, I opened the hood and it was a real nightmare, the whole engine compartement was full of oil. It was a coolant leak thorugh a hose crack, due a bad engine support.The engine was completely melted. Finally I changed the engine at home, was my first time doing that kind of task.
Last edited by Diego1980; Sep 22, 2021 at 01:06 PM.
did you measure battery voltage? its possible that the alternator died and didn't set off the battery warning light (had this happen on my VW CC). Car ran until the battery voltage dropped below what the computer would tolerate but high enough to light the dash etc. If you are below like 12.2V, try putting a jump or charger on it then try to start. From there if you don't see 14V when running, you know its the alternator. Note if you wind up getting towed to a shop and it turns out to be the alternator, you may wind up needing a new battery as well.
2009 Volvo s40 suddenly died
