HI everyone,
I bought a 2001 s40 1.9t from a family member for 1500 bucks and only 81,000 miles. I figured it would have a few small problems but it does have all receipts for major services being done such as spark plugs at 75k miles, oil changes, new battery, etc. The car runs great when it's warmed but I do find that sometimes it doesn't want to start especially when it's somewhat warm and just shut off. Sometimes it will start and then sputter, and die. I believe it has something to do with the ecu needing to be reset/updated. My reason for thinking that is because the lights for the heating and ac are dead as well as the gear shifter light. The heater and ac unit is also very sporadic and will blow at full speed in any setting with the slightest touch of the ****. The ac light tunes on and off occasionally. The trunk also stopped working recently now it won't open weather it is locked or unlocked. Latch seems OK and locks and unlocks with key and clicker. My guess would be that when the battery was replaced before my ownership, someone did not install it correctly causing the ecu to work the way it is. I believe it needs to be updated/reset by volvo. Could anyone tell me what the problem really is. Anyone experience this. If so how much will it cost me. All answers are appreciated!

 

Major service is plugs and an oil change?
When was the timing belt done?
Your issues, I'm afraid to say, are not related in my opinion. So a quick "reset/update" on the ecm isn't going to fix these issues.
An example...
The HVAC bulbs are @$10 each, and there are 3 of them in that area. Thus why they remain blown with the cheaper owners.
Sounds like a FSR is going out on the blower motors.
The trunk thing has me stumped......It wont open, but locks and unlocks with the key and clicker???? If it wont open, it's a known issue, also unrelated to any ECM. I suggest searching for the issues you are having. This forum has a good a search function as any other forum, and the same as any other forum, is much under used.
You have some issues to work through, which wont be fixed by an ecm update. There are no magic tricks to changing a battery on a 2001 S40, so it's kind of hard to screw it up, unless they connected it the wrong way around

 

The hard start sounds like Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR). Takes less than 10 minutes to swap out and is common after 6-8 years, new one might cost you $120 depending where you get it. Do a search for more details. Other issues are minor IMO, bulbs and blower moto resistor. Trunk latch sounds like a mechanical issue.

 

There's a good sticky on the 850 board on what to check out if you are a new owner - many apply here. 1) Agree with Martin in that first thing is to check when the timing belt was last done. Look for a receipt or marking on the engine (sticker or sharpie etc). If the belt is over 10 years old, replace asap along with the idlers/tensioner. 2) look at the spark plug wires - they should have a date stamp. If over 5 years, replace (there are only 2 wires so its a $30 cost). There's not much science behind replacing the battery - the "retraining" happens by driving normal (ie no WOT) at varying speeds for the first day or two. That won't impact cold/warm starts, so good advice on checking the FPR. You can test fuel pressure at the rail - the value should be something like 40-60 PSI. You can DIY the replacement: https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...t-guide-64228/ Given the car is new to you, consider also replacing the fuel filter if you don't know when it was last done.

For the interior lights, check fuse 6 under the dash (Gen 1 S40s have a fuse panel under the dash near the hood release and a second one under the hood). Its quite possible the bulbs are out too - particularly if you leave the headlights on in the daytime (lots of hours for the bulbs). For the AC, sounds like a switch problem or a connector problem. vs a blower or resistor. Time for a trip to Pick-a-Part or look for somebody parting out an S40 to swap out the dash switch/control... If you have access to a OBD2 code reader, you can try pulling all codes to see if there's any chassis codes stored. Normally AC problems show with a flashing AC light.

For the trunk latch, if you press the fob twice (or more) do you hear the lock unclick in the rear? My S40 is a bit sticky too - so I'd start with a clean and lube and check the latch for alignment and looseness (the rivets may be worn).

 

I have no idea why my trunk does not work, it never has since I have owned the vehicle BUT it works great nonetheless, what I did was tie a rope onto the inside safety release (plastic ****) and feed it into back seats. I just give it a little tug any time I want to open trunk.

 

I agree - hard start, start with replacing the FPR if it has not already been done (check receipts).


The light under the gear shift is an easy one. See my guide here:


GUIDE: Replacing the auto gear shift indicator bulb - Volvo Owners Club Forum