Hi all. I'm not a complete newbie. I had an '02 S40 that I sold and bought an '07 S80. I thought I'd change names to avoid confusion. Anyway, it's been a great car until now. I'm having an issue with the engine and wanted to see what symptom this sounds like:


1) Car wouldn't start. It sounded close to wanting to turn over and then just wouldn't do it.
2) I connected jumper cables to try to jump start it. I gave it a minute or two and still wouldn't do it
3) I replaced all 6 spark plugs. Tried to start it. This time, just clicks with no trying to turn over
4) I connected jumper cables one more time. After a minute, it was back to wanting to turn over over before the clicks
5) This time, I gave it about 5 minutes and then it finally started. The issue comes after the initial "vrooom". However, instead of the constant normal hum, it was making an unsettled up and down sound. I turned on the CD player and it also started playing intermediate with the engine. When I rev the engine, it just doesn't sound right. Very weird.


Can this just be an extreme problem with the battery or does it sound like anything else? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Ok, after careful thought about this and talking with my car guru, it sounds like the problem is probably just the battery and I just didn't give it enough time initially. The replacement spark plugs (single prong) are probably causing the throttling issue with the engine since the original spark plugs were multiprong (3). It was suggested that I get my battery tested. If it's bad, get it replaced an put the original spark plugs back in. Since I've come this far, I'll probably just put in new better spark plugs. I think I saw the suggested spark plug replacement on a previous search, but feel free to chime in if you highly recommend one. Also, let me know if you have any other thoughts about this whole saga. Thanks!

 

always put/replace new with the OEM spark plugs that came with the car. whether it be cheap or expensive. Just stick with the original (new) 3 prongs type. install those new one 1st

 

Just an update. It was just the battery afterall. My one year old battery with a 3 year warranty was toast. I put the old spark plugs back in, but I'm going to go ahead and order new ones. For some reason, all the autopart stores around me do not have any of the good ones in stock and have to order them.