We have a '98 XC 70 that takes forever to turn over in cold weather. Sometimes it takes 10 tries and occasionaly it starts to turn over then chugs for a second or two then dies. I know when it will finally turn over when turning the key, I hear a winding whistling type noise (not very loud but obvious) from behind the speedometer area in the dash. When that kicks on, it always turns over. Any suggestions? Fuel pressure regulator? We've already replaced the fuel filter with no improvement. Just want someplace to start to give our mechanic a heads up!

Thank you,
Sandy

 

I wonder if it is the fuel pump relay.

 

What shape is the battery in? As Tech said, it could be the fuel pump relay, as well. I would suggest a good tune up, along with cleaning and tightening the battery connections and ground connections, and go from there

 

I don't think there's a problem with the battery, since it cranks and cranks but doesn't turn over until after several tries. The colder it is outside, the harder it is to start. All summer we never had a problem. Now that the temps have been in the 20's, the problem has returned. It will try to turn over then chug and die within a second or two. But as soon as I hear the winding whistling noise from behind the speedometer, I KNOW it will turn over on the next try! That's the mystery....what is that noise? The relay? The car's going to the mechanic tomorrow, but since we live out in the boonies and far from a Volvo genius, we have to do our homework somewhat first! Thanks for the suggestions, I've written them down as a start.

 

Please let us know what it turns out to be