I will admit this is my first topic as a Volvo enthusiast. I recently purchased my first ever Volvo and its a 2002 S80 T6 that I fell in love with and picked up from craigslist. I've done some searching about this and I haven't been able to find much ( I may just suck at searching). Basically, sometimes it will crank over fine, sometimes it takes a good 6 seconds before it will start. When its hard starting the tachometer will go haywire twitching from 0-3000 rpm ussually. Now I love this car already and I hope this isn't bad news..I'm used to easy fixes but I know this kind of car is much different. Any help will be VERY much appreciated. I will also add that my CEL is on, which may be my 02 sensors or Evap system (Sometimes I smell gas exiting the car)

 

I have a 2000 volvo s80 with 240,000 miles, I too was having hard stops, I went to a local volvo dealer and was told that the engine speed sensor was gettting interference when cranking the engine. Electricity traveling through the starter cable when cranking causes it. Needed to replace the sensor and install a new starter cable. Total cost includeing diagnosis was 455.00 Hope this helps

 

Get the codes first, repost back. Autozone should read u the codes for free.

 

Reset the computer, replaced the gas cap, codes were unrelated to the start issues and now gone. Rerouted the starter cable away from the sensor and shielded it with aluminum, no more crazy tach and starts 100% better. I love free fixes.

 

Ok, I know that this is an old thread but I am having the same issue. Where is the engine speed sensor?