Volvo V40 poor starting

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Tue 11 Jan 2005 09:47
Volvo V40 poor starting - merlinauto
I have a Volvo 2.0litre turbo which runs very well under most conditions.

However it has developed a habit of being reluctant to start when cold (starts OK when hot). When cold it turns over for 15 to 20 seconds before starting to fire. It then starts on 2 or 3 cylinders and runs roughly for another 5 seconds before all 4 cylinders are in service. It usually puts out a small cloud of black smoke like it's been over fuelled as it starts; a bit like a carburettored engine being given too much choke.

Once started and run for 10 to 15 seconds it runs normally; smooth operation, idles correctly.

Any of you guys had experience of this or have any pointers? Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.
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Tue 11 Jan 2005 10:11
Volvo V40 poor starting - Peter D
This sounds like an HT lead problem. You will need to measure the resistance of each individual HT lead and King lead when cold. I have a Volvo but an older model and it did as you describe and sure enough 2 of the 4 leads where high 20K ohms plus resistance when cold and 5K ogms when Hot. These were the type where the resistor is part of the cap and the leads were copper not resistive carbon. If your leads are carbon then the ristance will be proportional to length and nominally 1 to 1.5K ohms per foot. Also check the king leada dn if you have a dizzy check the cap and rotar for signs of dirt or tracking. I fhte fault was the flywheel sensor you would loose both spark and fuel so you would not get the overfuelled start up you have described. Come back with your results. Regards Peter
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Tue 11 Jan 2005 11:04
Volvo V40 poor starting - merlinauto
Thanks for that Peter. This engine has coil packs on two of the cylinders (IIRC No. 3 and 4), each coil pack having an additional HT lead to one of the other two cylinders (is this called a 'wasted spark'?).

I'll check the two short HT leads for their resistance.
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Tue 11 Jan 2005 11:57
Volvo V40 poor starting - Peter D
Yes I wasn't sure whether you had that type or not. Not so easy to test but a remove and a good clean and refit would not go adrift. Also is the opertunity arises when the car is cold and it is dark and there is someone with you. crack the bonnet open and get someone else to crank the car to see if you can see or hear arking where the HT may be breaking down. If it fails to start it may be approprite to establish whether you have a spark at all by removing numer one or 4 and having a peice of copper wire handy to insert into the plug cap and allow it to ark to eath/chassis. Regards Peter
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