Engine: 70: intermittent starting problem

Hi everyone,

I have started to get an intermittent starting problem, where every four or five starts the engires fires first time, but then cuts out without settling down to idle. When this happens, I have to turn it over nine or ten times, to start it again. When started, it behaves perfectly well.

The local garage took a look, and found the error code indicated an air leak on the intake side. But they could trace no such leak. They suggested I should let this happen until it deteriorates further, and they can replicate the problem (it only happened a couple of times when they had it.)

This can happen when the engine is cold or hot, and there are no other symptoms when it is running. The car is a 2001 C70 convertible on 92K miles, with FVSH.

Any ideas? I should add that I'm not technically adept, and won't be able to do any repairs myself.

Given the avalanche of indifference provoked by my posting on this subject (judging at least by the lack of any replies), I don't know if it's worth saying that the problem may have been solved.

I recently had the ETM software upgrade, and asked the Volvo dealer to look into the starting issue. The error code had indicated an air leak, but they could find none. They just suggested I use the spare key, in case the antenna ring wasn't recognising the key. I had tried this before, but it had made no difference to the problem. However, I have since started the car about fifteen times using the spare key, and in each case it started first time.

Why using the spare key should make a difference now, after the software upgrade, I don't know, but I'm hoping it continues to work...

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks for the info - at least one person shares your problem - me ! I've got a 02 C70 Coupé with the same issue. It happens only about 1 in 20 times I start the car but when it does happen it's bloody annoying... and embrassing I might add.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi Jabber,

Try the following in your signature rarther than the html (as this forum will not parse the html):

Originally Posted by "CTCNetwork

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Remove the spaces between the http's and "url"

Des. . .

[JIM C]

I had a similar problem starting my 2001 V70 while it had been sitting all day at work. It never happened when fully warm or cold. I changed the plugs and had the car into the Volvo dealer for something else and as a result haad to get a software upgrade and has been perfect ever since.

[The Purifier]

I had a similar problem in a previous car (not a Volvo) and I got the spark plugs changed and it was fine...