QuestionVolvo 940 Estate 2.3 1995 - 180,000 miles
I've had the car for 5 years - great car - never a problem starting.
About 2 months ago came out of the supermarket and car turned over but would not start - first time ever - smell of petrol . Got it started after leaving it for 10 mins.
Problem developed slowly . Usually would start OK from cold but if not start first time would flood. Also running erratically - surging revs then sluggish throttle response until car warmed up - Ran OK when warm . Changed Plugs /Leads (Plugs clean - not carbonned up)
Became more difficult to start from cold and warm. Took to my mechanic - unable to get reading on engine diagnostic. Changed coldstart sensor as fuel mixture appears too rich -no effect - possibly worse.
Mechanic could only start by removing fuel pump fuse and quickly replacing after start. He has now installed a switch on this fuse so that the only way to start it is toggle it off/on .Foot to floor on GAS with fuel pump on
usually will not start it - need to switch off/on pump to keep it going. Once over the traumatic start the engine turns over OK . Took on 10 mile run - runs OK but plugs are black. My mechanic has explained the array of sensors
that are used to control the fuel mixture ( Lambda,MAF etc)and the CPU . Replacing these in turn to see if they sort it is not an option.
Could this be a mechanical problem with the injectors . What about REDEX type additives
Any help would be much appreciated
Jeff
AnswerJeff,
Yes there is some problem with the injection system. It might be a shorted wire harness, or stuck fuel pressure regulator, bad control unit, leaking injectors. Try to find a shop that works on Volvos and knows the car. They will need to test for a fault code and check that wire harness, test fuel pressure and give the vehicle a general look over and inspection. I have never heard of REDEX, sorry.
