Problems Starting S40, 1.9T
 

Hi There.

for the past 3 or 4 weeks, I've had problems starting my S40. Initially, it was 1 or 2x/week and only for the first start of the day. This week, it's been every day and yesterday (I live in Boston), also happened when I came out of work. I'm concerned and would be grateful for any advice.

Symptoms:

* turns over, starter works, but won't 'engage' (I don't know the correct mechanical terms, sorry)
* would keep trying 4 or 5 times before it would kick in, and then would occasionally stall out.
* a few days ago, started depressing the accelerator while turning over and that would kick it in so it would engage
* however, when i'd remove my foot from the accelerator, it would cut out

I had a new battery installed in 01/06, so I took it in for a battery voltage check at Sears. All came back fine. I don't think it's the alternator, as it's gone one for so long that the battery should be dead by now, right? I don't think it's the starter, either, as i don't think it would be turning over consistently like it has been.

We've had more humid weather this week than usual, so I thought maybe there was condensation in the fuel line, so I put in that Heet extra strong dry gas and topped it up with 93 octane fuel. Didn't seem to make a difference.

Last night, I had the same starting problems trying to leave work. I turned it over a couple of times and then turned it over while depressing the accelerator. Kicked in, so I kept my foot down, revving it to 2k - 3k RPMs for probably 1 or 1 1/2 minutes. I then took my foot off the accelerator to put it into drive, and it cut out AGAIN. Waited a few seconds, started it in the same way, revved it, while keeping my foot on the accelerator, depressed the brake with my left foot, put it in drive, and slowly released the brake, while keeping the accelerator depressed. Drove circles around the parking lot for about 30 seconds then came to a stop and put it in park. Idled fine at about .75k RPMs. Kept it like that for a few mintues, no problem, drove off fine.

A few times, I've noticed blue smoke coming from the exhaust once it engages. I have no idea if this is related.

Anyone have any ideas what on EARTH is going on? I'm starting to get really concerned. I'm not rolling in the bucks right now, so I'm kind of worried this is going to be something expensive. Also, I haven't yet had the 60 or 65k tune up (I can't remember which it is) but I've been consistent with getting the scheduled maintenance at the local volvo dealer since i got it 2 years ago at 42k miles.

I'd be grateful for any ideas!!!

RE: Problems Starting S40, 1.9T
 

A couple of quiestions
1. Is the check engine light on?
2.Are you a somewhat of a Do it your selfer?

RE: Problems Starting S40, 1.9T
 

The check engine light only comes on after it stalls out or doesn't engage and I give up, and often the battery light is on with it as well as the up arrow which (I think) usually indicates the car isn't in drive, so I can't tell if it's on because it's telling me something or if it's just on.

I'm somewhat a do it myselfer but I also have a good friend who's really good with cars.

RE: Problems Starting S40, 1.9T
 

On the fuel rail is a Pressure regulator. It has a small vaccum line going to it. Pull the line off and see if there is any gas in it. If so then the regulator is bad.
I have had a couple of them before.

Also put a fuel pressure guage on it and let it sit for a while and see if the pressure drops to Zero.

RE: Problems Starting S40, 1.9T
 

Check the voltage regulator...