one fault after another

[TurboZutek]

One thing to have a look at - get the engine running and with an automotive stethoscope, listen to each fuel injector and check they are all firing correctly.

While the symptoms you post in each case are all a bit different, the root cause could be a stuck OPEN injector or one that's failing to close properly. This will lead to a bunch of unburnt fuel upsetting the mixture to a degree the lamda can't cope with. This will also give you that petrol smell of unburnt fuel 'cause the exhaust will be full of it.

A stuck or slow injector may not in itself generate a code.

/Quick and easy check, worth doing

Chris...

[mikealder]

Originally Posted by V70100k

I run an Android phone, but I believe there is similar available - might look into it..

Look for an app called "Torque" as that can do what you need although to use it you will require an OBD-II Bluetooth unit such as the device made by OBD-KEY (Google the name and it will find the supplier)

Originally Posted by V70100k

If they make a sensible suggestion I guess it might be worth my while looking at the ETM.

Have a read of a post I made in This Thread as that details how to clean the ETM, it's not difficult to do at all - Mike

[ironmark]

Hi,sorry for the confusion over the AAC valve,this is mounted near the MAF SENSOR and was only on 2000/2001 model year cars. It takes air from the intake pipe between the Airbox and the throttle housing (ETM) and has a pipe going to the fuel rail (injectors).. I had a non turbo 2.4 C70 2000MY where this was intermittently sticking open,cleaned it out and all was ok, often forgotton in favour of etm! I am interested in your dtc's stored, catalyser codes are generally a result of incorrect mixture and usually caused by something else than a failed cat. I am not doubting your local garage but something seems to be causing all of this,103k is nothing to these engines if regular services completed. Just a note, have you checked with your local dealer if your ECM + ETM softwares are up to date? It costs them nothing to check and can do it on reg no, dont need car there. May be reluctant tho so quote watchdog! ;_) Let me no how u get on ecm upgrade approx £10, ETM upgrade approx £1.50 both plus vat and Labour of coursework/

[V70100k]

Hiya - thanks for that Chris
I'm letting them have their play on Monday - I think they know that I'm a bit peeved about it all - I find it really hard to believe that three different things can go so badly wrong so close together! As ironmark says 103k isn't a lot for a well maintained big Volvo lump - and I've always happily paid over the money for maintenance - I've never scrimped - but this is trying my patience. The lamda was faulty for at least nine months tho! The second fault really felt electrical - like I said in the old days when your HT broke down under load - would injector failure feel the same, like REALLY the same?

[V70100k]

Hi Mike
Thanks so much for that APP name - I like gadgets and might just invest - I guess it will come in handy with future vehicles - if my Volvo dies I'm not sure what my budget will allow as a replacement!!
I'm waiting to hear what they come up with tomorrow - then I might visit your thread on the ETM checks and cleaning.

[s60t5xp]

Have you not checked the mass air flow meter as that would be my first point off call if the car has dont that amout of miles might need changing. The maf will cause emision problems a it regulates the air.

[V70100k]

Hi again ironmark
That's interesting - you mean update and upgrade my car's ECU?
Are the AAC pipes like old vacuum advance and retard connections? - I think I remember seeing those near the air filter - can't check now as the car is sulking in the garage - LOL.

[ironmark]

Hi,yes, the ECM (Engine Control Module) and the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module) are both capable units of accepting software upgrades, this is like the modern way of tuning. It wont increase your horsepower but will iron out any bugs that can sometimes cause ghost codes or adaption problems. I think in your case there is something other than this, but the softwares are from Volvos own database and just like any computer always runs best on the latest operating software. The aac valves pipes are approx the size of a heater hose (25mm) so if youve not noticed it, its probably not fitted! Hope its resolved cheaply and quickly! :-S

[jeffreyt]

my 2000 V70 xc T5 auto had exactly the same symptons after a new lambda sensor was fitted. So,put the old lambda back and fitted a new maf and its running really smoothly.
I thought my Alfa Spider was the most unreliable car ever made but am coming to the conclusion these early P.2 V 70s run them a close second.
Hope you get it sorted without it costing too much more.

[TurboZutek]

Originally Posted by V70100k

The second fault really felt electrical - like I said in the old days when your HT broke down under load - would injector failure feel the same, like REALLY the same?

Sure! If your injector(s) are cocking around it can cause peaks, flat spots, surges, misfires and all manner of other oddities that feel like it could be a million other problems.

The solution is simple, check them for leaks and correct operation with a stethoscope or even an oscilloscope on the wiring harness.

Chris...