Trouble starting/ staying idle!
 

Hello I have a 2000 volvo s40. Within the past two weeks, I have had to fix so many things on this car. It started with a split radiator hose, then the alternator went . The brakes and 02 sensor and now... The car has a really hard time starting up. If I don't rev the engine immediately it will stall. Same thing while at idle. It seems to have a hard time when I'm stopped. The check engine light is in and I was told it needs another new sensor for $180. I want to know if a sensor could be causing this? It doesn't seem right to me. It also seems a little but louder when I hit the gas,but I could be wrong. Please help! Thanks

What code, what sensor? Why would you ask for our opinion and leave that information out?

Yes a sensor can cause a car to stall, not idle, not start, etc.

I'm betting it's the fuel pressure regulator, not a sensor. The 2000-2004 1.9L engines use a fuel pressure regulator that costs about $180 to replace.

It started with a split radiator hose, then the alternator went .


If you've been working in that area check the harness connector to the IAC (AIC?) valve. It can come off easy and cause both over-revving and sluggish bounce back when a load is applied or the car first starts.

I have had this problem, Hudini mentions the fuel pressure regulator. This makes sense in my case. The codes I have had read say the fuel mixture was way too lean. The IAC was cleaned, no changes. I cleaned the MAF and this helped the car to keep running after starting. But it is not the whole answer. I am still wrestling with this same problem myself. Good luck.

Not sure what the code was but it was for the idle air control sensor. I took it to a "specialist" and they replaced it. Check Engine light went out and it's been starting better. (Don't have to rev it up all the way first) but when idling the meter still bounces between 0 and 1, and seems like its having trouble.

My 2001 was having similar issues. I first replaced the Idle Air Control motor but this did not fix the long cranking before it would start. I then replaced the fuel pressure regulator and it ran great. Let us know if it stays fixed?

Check engine light came back on today. Still having the same issues. I will call the mechanic tomorrow and see what he has to say now...