05 S40 2.0D - won't start

Potential-Monke

Howdy folks,

Recently picked up a 2005 Volvo S40 2.0D, everything was working fine, NCT'd on April 9th just gone, steal of a price for the car really (as in, it's a lot of car for little money due to the year). But, I done messed up.

I left the park lights on all day yesterday while I was at work, so when I came out the battery was completely dead. No lights, no hints at a light, only the CD player clicking. Got my brother to come in for a jump, but he's driving a 1.1 Getz, and I knew that wouldn't be enough. Sure enough, after 15 minutes of leaving the cables connected, still not a sausage from it.

I left it, and brought in my old 02 S40 1.8 petrol, swapped the batteries, and I got all the lights and everything else working, but still wouldn't start. 55Ah vs the 80Ah in mine. Nothing happening when going into ignition position 3. So I brought the original battery to a battery place, and they tested it, showing 7 1/2 amps/volts (can't remember which), so not enough power for a cold start on a diesel allegedly. They're charging it up, but gave me a loan of a new one in the meantime.

I put in the new one, and all lights came on, but still wouldn't start. I turned it off, locked the doors, waited a few minutes, turned it on and it started, but sounded like it wasn't getting enough power, low chugging idle. Gave it a few revs and it started to settle. Let it idle for about 5 minutes, turned it off, and it hasn't started since. All lights, but nothing happens when going into position 3. Gave it a good half hour of trying, about 6 or 7 times in total, same issue each time.

Now, I do know that the fan belt needs replacing, and I'm back at work so I can't check to see if that is after snapping. Just wondering if anyone has/had the same car and had similar issues? Any and all help appreciated. It's currently stuck at the top of a multi-story car park, one which I don't think a recovery truck will be able to get into, and I can't turn the wheel to let it roll out.

Potential-Monke

Update: Just went out on my break, first time it didn't start, started the second and third times, now not starting at all again. Thinking it may be the starter motor at this stage...

Atlantic Dawn

Are you hearing it turn over or just a clicking noise when you are trying to start it?

Potential-Monke

Absolutely nothing. I turn the key and silence. No engine noise, no electrical noise, just nada. Usually there'd be a click or something (from previous cars that wouldn't start), but I can't hear anything on this one.

biko

Usually it's the battery or the fuel filter.

This guy had similar issue and claims it was the back bench

Stoolbend

The ignition switches do give a bit of trouble on those Volvo’s.

If it happens again wiggle the key up and down or turn it as hard as you can and see if it kicks in.

If someone had a diagnostic system that’d plug in they should be able to read the data and see if the ign switch is going to no 3.

Potential-Monke

Had another go at it this morning. My own battery is charged up to 13+v, but it's only putting out 550Ah, but I should still be getting some sort of sound when trying. Still nothing. Once today, 'Immobiliser Check Manual' came up, saw something on Google about the fuse box and something coming loose, but all seems ok. Unfortunately don't have any testing equipment. Think I'm gonna have to get it towed somehow.

rex-x

biko wrote: »

Usually it's the battery or the fuel filter.

This guy had similar issue and claims it was the back bench

How can it be the fuel filter when the starter isnt kicking in?

Op its likely one of 4 things:

Starter motor
poor ground/connection
bad ign switch
immobilised (but you will see a warning every time or a red key etc)

Potential-Monke

I'm thinking either starter motor or immobiliser, but the message about the immobiliser only came up once and hasn't come up since. Tried to start it again an hour ago and same, nothing at all. Towing is my only option now.

Thanks for the advice folks!

Potential-Monke

Taken away by the tow man, started with a rolling start (don't know how he managed to turn the wheel, it wouldn't budge for me). So all pointing towards the starter motor.

biko

Ok, let us know what the outcome is.

Potential-Monke

Update: According to the auto-electrician, when the battery went completely dead, it corrupted (for want of a better word) the software between the ECU and the immobiliser. He's trying to get it going now with a software update.

gibbon75

Potential-Monke wrote: »

Update: According to the auto-electrician, when the battery went completely dead, it corrupted (for want of a better word) the software between the ECU and the immobiliser. He's trying to get it going now with a software update.

We have seen that many times with the early 2.0D models, but never with the 1.6D ones. As far as I remember the solution was an ECM software reload,rather than an upgrade.

Potential-Monke

So I have it back. It's starting, but the mechanic reckons there's about €2k worth of work still to be done. Worst is the clutch and something else to do with that, needs to be done soon, approximately €1200. Both bushings on the back need to be done, and the tie rods on the front need to be done. Water bottle for the wipers has a crack so not retaining water. Glow plugs are dodgy. EGR is reading bad or something... Oh, and the cold air doesn't work, and the 6CD player no longer works (I had intended on getting AUX/USB support, seems pointless now).

This only passed the NCT on the 9th of April just gone, and the mechanic reckons money must have changed hands to get it to pass. Is there anywhere I can contest this? I had to get a loan to get this car, and now i'm up shits creek.